These 3-ingredient sugared cranberries are the perfect budget-friendly way to instantly spice up any holiday spread! Everyone who sees them will comment on how beautiful they are. Then, give it a try and your life will be changed forever. They're sweet, tangy, tangy and oh-so-festive all in one bite. Use them to decorate cakes, pies and cocktails, or pop them straight from the baking sheet into your mouth! Yes, yes, yes, Merry Christmas!
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What are sugared cranberries?
These adorable-looking treats are basically candied cranberries, made by mixing fresh cranberries with simple syrup and then rolling them in sugar. They're juicy and tangy inside, but the hard, sugary coating gives them a nice crunch. And they look so festive with their bright red color and sparkling sugar crystals, almost like frosted berries… that's why they're also called frosted cranberries!
True, these are more of a luxury, but if you're looking for something special to add to your holiday spread that won't break the bank, this is a festive and easy-to-make option!
Here's what you'll need to make this easy sugared cranberry recipe:
- Fresh Cranberries: It's hard to find year-round, so celebrate it while you can! I found a 12 oz. Bags of cranberries at Walmart for only $1.78, so I grabbed an extra bag as I was already planning on making mine. Cranberry flavor. I recommend using fresh cranberries for the best texture.
- Granulated Sugar: I use regular granulated sugar to make simple syrup and cranberry rolls.
- Water: To mix sugar to make simple syrup.
Don't throw away leftover simple syrup!
You may have some water and sugar mixture left in your saucepan—don't throw it away, reuse it! You can use it to sweeten your tea, cocktails, lemonade, or add a splash to your morning oatmeal. Another fun way to use it is to brush it onto freshly baked cakes, muffins, or loaves (say, ours Cranberry Orange Bread) help keep them moist.
These simple candied cranberries are great as a garnish for a steamed plate Turkey breast Or to garnish a glass of your favorite cocktail or mocktail. I love them with me Apple Cider Shrub MocktailBut they will be uber festive above A Christmas Puncha lot They are also wonderful on their own as a fun snack. If you place them on a cheese board or charcuterie plate, be prepared to hear a lot of “oohs and aahs.” You are welcome!
How long do sugared cranberries last?
As long as your cranberries are fresh and ripe, they can last a few days at room temperature or in an airtight container in the fridge. I personally try to use it within 3 days of making it. Sugar 'weeps' (meaning it soaks up moisture from the cranberries and the atmosphere), so the longer they're stored, the wetter they'll start to feel. If this happens I will toss them in more sugar (as long as the berries are ripe!) to freshen them up.
Sugared Cranberry Recipe
These easy candied cranberries are made with 3 ingredients and are a festive way to enhance your holiday cheese plates, drinks, and desserts!
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- 1 ½ Cup Granulated sugar, divided (0.51)
- 1 Cup water ($0.00)
- 1 12 oz A bag of fresh cranberries, rinsed ($1.78)
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Combine 1 cup sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it boils, keep stirring and reduce.
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Once all the sugar has dissolved, add the washed cranberries. Stir frequently so that they are all covered in sticky sugar water. Let them cook briefly in sugar water for just 1 minute. Remove from heat.
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In a small mixing bowl, add remaining ½ cup granulated sugar. Using a slotted spoon, remove the hot cranberries, allowing them to dry before tossing them in the reserved sugar.
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Carefully remove the candied berries with a clean, dry spoon and transfer to a cookie sheet. If necessary, you can repeatedly dip some berries in sugar.
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Let them dry and crisp for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
Let's see how Calculate the cost of the recipe here.
Serving: 1serving (1 ounce per serving)Calories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSodium: 2mgFiber: 1g
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How to make sugared cranberries – step by step photos
Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it boils, keep stirring and reduce.
Once all the sugar has dissolved, add 1 12 ounce bag of washed fresh cranberries. Stir frequently so that they are all covered in sticky sugar water. Let them cook briefly in the sugar water, just 1 minute. Remove from heat.
In a small mixing bowl, add remaining ½ cup granulated sugar. Using a slotted spoon, remove the hot cranberries, allowing them to dry before tossing them in the reserved sugar.
Carefully remove the candied berries with a clean, dry spoon and transfer to a cookie sheet. If necessary, you can repeatedly dip some berries in sugar. Let them dry and crisp for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
