Candied cranberries are a delightful treat that brings a sweet and tart flavor burst with every bite. These little gems can brighten up any dessert platter, add a festive touch to salads, or serve as a beautiful garnish for holiday drinks. They’re easy to make and use just a few simple ingredients, making them a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations or a lovely snack any time of year.

What Goes into This Treat

To make your own candied cranberries, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups (250g) fresh cranberries
1 cup (240ml) water
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

How to Make Candied Cranberries

Follow these simple steps to transform fresh cranberries into a sugary delight:

Rinse the cranberries: Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Once they are clean, set them aside.
Make the simple syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. This will create a sweet syrup for soaking the cranberries.
Soak the cranberries: Remove the saucepan from the heat, and add the rinsed cranberries to the syrup. Make sure they’re all submerged. Cover the saucepan and let them soak for several hours or, for the best results, overnight in the refrigerator.
Coat with powdered sugar: After soaking, drain the cranberries from the syrup. Roll them in powdered sugar until they are fully coated for that beautiful sugary finish.
Dry the cranberries: Place the coated cranberries on a cooling rack to dry. This step is essential to ensure they aren’t too sticky when served.

The Best Way to Serve It

Candied cranberries can be used in countless ways to enhance your dishes. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy them:

On a cheese board: Pair candied cranberries with a variety of cheeses, nuts, and crackers for an elegant appetizer spread.
In salads: Toss them into mixed greens with goat cheese, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette for a fresh, festive salad.
As a garnish: Use them to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or holiday punches for an eye-catching display.
As a snack: Enjoy them straight from the bowl for a sweet and tangy treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Expert Tips for Candied Cranberries

Here are a few tips to consider while making your candied cranberries:

Extra Flavor: For a hint of spice, consider adding a cinnamon stick or a splash of orange juice to the syrup while it’s heating.
Dried Alternative: If you’re short on time, you can use dried cranberries and coat them in powdered sugar for a quick treat.
Storage: Store any leftover candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll keep their sweetness and flavor, making them a great make-ahead option!

Common Questions About Candied Cranberries

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before soaking in syrup.

How do I know when the cranberries are ready?
The cranberries are ready when they have soaked for several hours and have absorbed the sweetness from the syrup.

Can I use a different sugar?
You can try using alternative sugars, like coconut sugar, although the flavor and color of the finished product may vary.

These sweet and tangy candied cranberries are a wonderful addition to most dishes, and they’re simple enough to whip up any day of the week. Give this recipe a try and elevate your holiday table or snack time with this tasty treat! Enjoy making your candied cranberries!

Print Recipe

Candied Cranberries

A delightful sweet and tart treat perfect for holiday celebrations or as a sweet snack any time of year.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time16

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Candied Cranberries, Dessert Garnish, easy recipe, Holiday Treat, Sweet Snack

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries Make sure they are fresh, not frozen.
1 cup water Used to make the simple syrup.
1 cup granulated sugar For the simple syrup.
1 cup powdered sugar For coating the cranberries.

Instructions

Preparation

Rinse the cranberries under cold water and set them aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves to create a sweet syrup.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the rinsed cranberries to the syrup, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and let soak for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
After soaking, drain the cranberries from the syrup and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Place the coated cranberries on a cooling rack to dry.

Notes

Store leftover candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extra flavor, add a cinnamon stick or orange juice to the syrup while heating.