Sweet & Sparkling: The Best Candied Cranberries Recipe Ever

Cranberry magic sparks culinary delight in this best candied cranberries recipe that transforms ordinary fruit into sweet, glistening jewels.

Sugar crystals dance across tart berries, creating a mesmerizing treat perfect for holiday gatherings.

Festive and elegant, these sparkling morsels add a sophisticated touch to desserts and cheese boards.

Culinary enthusiasts adore the delicate balance between tangy fruit and sugary coating.

Guests will marvel at your kitchen prowess when you serve these stunning crimson gems.

Wild and vibrant, these candied cranberries bring a burst of color and flavor to any spread.

Experience the simple joy of making something extraordinary with just a few ingredients and a pinch of creativity.

Why Best Candied Cranberries Make the Holidays Brighter

• Perfect candied cranberries elevate your celebrations with minimal effort.
• Even beginner cooks can nail this recipe without complex techniques or specialized equipment.
• Create delightful garnishes or sweet snacks up to 3 days before your event, reducing last-minute stress.
• Sprinkle these sugary gems on desserts, cocktails, salads, or enjoy as a standalone festive treat that impresses guests effortlessly.

Candied Cranberry Ingredients That Stand Out

Main Ingredients:

Cranberries: Sweet-tart berries that transform into a glistening, sugary treat perfect for holiday garnishes and snacking. Fresh, firm cranberries work best with no soft or mushy spots.

Sugar: The key sweetening agent that creates a glossy, crystalline coating for the cranberries. Granulated white sugar provides the best texture and appearance.

Liquid Ingredients:

Water: The neutral base for creating a simple syrup that helps sugar adhere to cranberries. Filtered or tap water works equally well.

Preparation Components:

Wire Rack: Crucial for allowing excess syrup to drip and cranberries to dry evenly. Stainless steel racks provide the best air circulation.

Baking Sheet: Catches drips and provides a stable surface for the drying process. A rimmed sheet prevents any liquid from spilling.

Slotted Spoon: Allows easy removal of cranberries from syrup while letting excess liquid drain quickly. Stainless steel spoons are most effective.

How to Make a Batch of Candied Cranberries

Step 1: Create Sweet Liquid Base

Grab a medium saucepan and mix sugar and water. Warm the mixture over medium heat, continuously stirring until sugar completely dissolves. Avoid boiling the liquid.

Step 2: Soak Cranberries in Syrup

Take syrup off heat and let it cool slightly. Submerge cranberries completely in the sweet liquid. Allow them to rest for minimum one hour or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.

Step 3: Drain Juicy Berries

Use a slotted spoon to lift cranberries from syrup. Place them carefully on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet. Let berries air dry for one hour until they feel slightly sticky.

Step 4: Roll in Sparkling Sugar

Gently tumble each tacky cranberry in remaining sugar. Coat thoroughly by rolling a few berries at a time. Return coated berries back to wire rack for additional drying.

Step 5: Preserve Magical Treats

Once completely dry, transfer sugared cranberries into an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for enjoying within two to three days.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Candied Cranberries

• Gentle Sugar Coating: Roll cranberries carefully in sugar to ensure an even, delicate layer that adds sparkle and sweet crunch without overwhelming the fruit's natural tartness.
• Quick Syrup Success: Cool the sugar syrup slightly before adding cranberries to prevent cooking or breaking down the delicate berries, maintaining their beautiful whole shape.
• Patience Matters: Allow cranberries to soak in syrup for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, to develop a deeper, more intense flavor and consistent glaze.
• Drying Technique: Use a wire rack over a baking sheet when draining and drying cranberries to catch excess syrup and allow air circulation, creating an ideal candied texture.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature, consuming within 2-3 days to enjoy maximum freshness and crisp sugar coating.

Storing and Reheating Candied Cranberries the Right Way

• Place candied cranberries in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Properly stored, they'll maintain quality for 3-5 days.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring they're completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Gently pat with paper towel to restore sugar coating if needed.
• If cranberries become slightly sticky, roll them again in fresh granulated sugar to restore their crisp, sugary exterior.

What to Serve with Candied Cranberries

• Serve candied cranberries alongside rich, smooth cheesecake or vanilla panna cotta to balance their tartness with creamy textures.
• Match these sweet-tangy cranberries with crisp champagne or prosecco, creating a delightful festive appetizer or dessert garnish.
• Muddle candied cranberries into gin or vodka-based cocktails, adding a vibrant burst of sweetness and elegant holiday flair to your drink.
• Scatter these sugared cranberries around soft brie or creamy goat cheese for a stunning visual and flavor contrast that elevates your charcuterie board.

Flavor Ideas for Custom Candied Cranberries

• Citrus Sparkle Cranberries: Infuse the simple syrup with orange or lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor that complements the cranberries' natural tartness.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace white sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a diabetic-friendly version with reduced calories and glycemic impact.
• Spiced Holiday Cranberries: Add warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the simple syrup for a festive winter-inspired coating that enhances the cranberries' natural sweetness.
• Vegan Sugar-Coated Option: Use organic coconut sugar instead of refined white sugar to create a plant-based candied cranberry that maintains the same delicious crunch and glazed texture.

Best Candied Cranberries Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Candied Cranberries sparkle with sweet-tart magic, delivering winter holiday charm in every sugared bite. Guests will savor these elegant crimson gems that perfectly balance delicate crunch and festive seasonal spirit.

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Ingredients

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Candied Cranberries Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (200 g / 7 ounces) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup (200 g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) water

Coating:

• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) additional granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Craft a luscious simple syrup by gently heating sugar and water in a medium saucepan, stirring until the crystals completely dissolve without allowing the mixture to reach a boil.
2. Allow the syrup to cool slightly, then immerse fresh cranberries completely, letting them luxuriate in the sweet liquid for a minimum of 60 minutes or ideally overnight to enhance flavor absorption.
3. Carefully extract the cranberries using a slotted spoon, positioning them on a wire rack positioned above a baking sheet to facilitate even draining and initial drying.
4. Permit the cranberries to rest and develop a slightly tacky surface for approximately one hour, creating the perfect texture for sugar adherence.
5. Delicately roll each cranberry in granulated sugar, ensuring a comprehensive and even coating that will create a sparkling, crystalline exterior.
6. Return the sugar-encrusted cranberries to the wire rack, allowing them to dry and set for an additional hour, which will help solidify the sugar layer and enhance their glossy appearance.
7. Once completely dry and crystallized, transfer the candied cranberries to an airtight container, where they can be preserved at room temperature for two to three days, ready to garnish desserts or enjoy as a sweet, tangy treat.

Notes

• Customize sweetness by adjusting sugar levels to match personal taste preferences.
• Prevent sugar clumping by ensuring cranberries are slightly tacky before rolling in granulated sugar.
• Experiment with alternative sugar types like raw or coconut sugar for unique flavor profiles.
• Extend shelf life by storing candied cranberries in the refrigerator, which can preserve their texture for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1-2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg