Irresistible Candied Cranberries Recipe for Perfect Holiday Treats

The first time I tried candied cranberries, I was immediately hooked. Their sparkling, sugar-coated shells paired with the tart burst of flavor inside felt like little bites of holiday magic. Honestly, these irresistible candied cranberries are the kind of festive treat you’ll find yourself snacking on all season long! Whether you’re looking for a simple DIY edible gift, a stunning garnish for desserts, or just a sweet-tart snack to enjoy, this recipe has you covered. Trust me, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is to prepare. You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients—just fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Plus, they’re versatile! You can use them to spruce up your holiday cocktails, decorate a cake, or even as the perfect topping for a cheese board. Let’s dive into the details to bring this festive favorite to life in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes of active prep time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need three basic ingredients—fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. No complicated steps here!
• Festive & Beautiful: The sparkling sugar coating makes these cranberries look like they’re straight out of a holiday fairy tale.
• Versatile: These candied cranberries work as a garnish, snack, or even a creative dessert component.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping with the sugar-coating step—it’s like crafting with food!
• Unbelievably Delicious: The sweet crunch of sugar perfectly balances the tartness of the cranberries.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity paired with the wow factor. Unlike other holiday treats, candied cranberries don’t require heavy baking or intricate techniques. It’s the kind of recipe that delivers big results with minimal effort. Plus, they’re such a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings. You’ll find yourself making batch after batch!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver a festive treat that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh Cranberries: Look for firm, plump cranberries. They should be bright red and free of any blemishes.
• Granulated Sugar: You’ll need this for both the syrup and the sparkling sugar coating.
• Water: Plain water is all you need to make the sugar syrup.

That’s it! Just three ingredients to create these glittering gems. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or orange zest to the sugar syrup for a subtle twist.

Equipment Needed

Here’s a list of equipment to make these candied cranberries:

• Medium Saucepan: For simmering the sugar syrup and cranberries.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps lift the cranberries out of the syrup without excess liquid.
• Wire Rack or Parchment Paper: Use this for drying the cranberries after coating them in syrup.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing cranberries in sugar.

If you don’t have a wire rack, you can use parchment paper on a baking sheet—it works just as well. And for the sugar-coating step, clean hands can be your best tool!

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar and 1 cup (240ml) of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil.
2. Add the Cranberries: Once the sugar syrup is ready, reduce the heat to low and gently add 2 cups (200g) of fresh cranberries. Stir to coat them evenly. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes, making sure the cranberries don’t pop.
3. Remove and Dry: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them dry for at least 1 hour, until they’re slightly tacky but not wet.
4. Coat with Sugar: Pour 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar into a mixing bowl. Toss the cranberries in small batches, ensuring each one is thoroughly coated with sugar. Shake off the excess sugar and transfer them to a clean surface to dry.
5. Final Touches: Let the sugar-coated cranberries sit for another hour to fully set. Once ready, they’ll be perfectly sparkly and crunchy.

Pro Tip: If your sugar syrup starts to boil, remove it from the heat immediately to avoid bursting the cranberries. And if you prefer a thicker sugar coating, you can repeat the tossing step for extra sparkle!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to guarantee amazing candied cranberries every time:

• Choose Fresh Cranberries: Avoid using soft or bruised cranberries—they won’t hold up well in the syrup.
• Don’t Overheat the Syrup: Keep the heat on low to prevent the cranberries from bursting. Gentle simmering is key.
• Use Fine Sugar for Coating: Superfine sugar works best for the prettiest sparkle, but regular granulated sugar will do the trick too.
• Patience is Key: Allow enough drying time between steps. Rushing can lead to clumpy sugar or sticky cranberries.
• Try Flavor Additions: Experiment with adding vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest to the syrup for a unique twist.

These tips come from plenty of trial and error, so trust me—they make all the difference!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations and adaptations:

• Spiced Syrup: Add a cinnamon stick, star anise, or cloves to the sugar syrup for a warm holiday flavor.
• Orange Cranberries: Stir in 1 tablespoon of orange zest during the syrup-making step for a citrusy twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
• Alcohol-Infused: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or amaretto to the syrup for an adult-friendly version.

Personally, I love making the orange cranberry variation—it pairs beautifully with a spiced cake or a cozy cup of tea!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Here’s how to make the most of your candied cranberries:

• Serving: Serve these cranberries at room temperature. They’re perfect as a snack, dessert garnish, or cocktail topper.
• Pairings: Pair them with creamy desserts like panna cotta or cheesecake, or add them to a holiday cheese board for a pop of color.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Reheating: No reheating needed—just enjoy them as-is!

The sugar coating will keep the cranberries fresh and crisp for several days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving (about 1/4 cup):

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Vitamin C: Cranberries are a great source of vitamin C to support your immune system.
• Low Fat: A guilt-free treat with no added fats.

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the coating or use a sugar substitute to make it a bit more diet-friendly.

Conclusion

These irresistible candied cranberries are truly a holiday game-changer. They’re easy to make, stunning to look at, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re gifting them to friends, using them to decorate desserts, or sneaking them as a snack, they’re sure to bring festive cheer to your table.

Give this recipe a try and make it your own—add your favorite flavors, experiment with different coatings, and share the joy with your loved ones. I’m excited to hear how you use these sparkling cranberries in your holiday celebrations!

If you make this recipe, share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to see your creative twists and hear how they turned out for you. Happy holidays and happy cooking!

FAQs

What can I use candied cranberries for?

Candied cranberries are great as a snack, dessert garnish, cocktail topper, or as part of a holiday cheese board.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Fresh cranberries work best for this recipe, as frozen ones may become too soft during the syrup step.

How long do candied cranberries last?

Candied cranberries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia for a lower-sugar version of this recipe.

Why are my cranberries sticky?

If the cranberries are sticky, they may not have dried enough before the sugar coating step. Make sure to let them dry completely on a wire rack before tossing them in sugar.

Print