Sparkling Sugared Cranberries – Tart, Sweet, and Perfect for Garnish or Holiday Snacking
Sparkling Sugared Cranberries are tart and sweet little gems coated in a crunchy sugar crust. Perfect as a festive garnish for cakes and cocktails, or simply enjoyed as a holiday snack, these cranberries add sparkle to any seasonal table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including drying time)
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves to create a simple syrup. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly for a few minutes.
- Add the cranberries to the syrup and stir to coat. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let dry for 1 hour (they will be sticky).
- Place the remaining 1 cup of sugar in a shallow dish. Working in batches, roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar until well coated.
- Transfer sugared cranberries to a clean baking sheet and let dry for another hour before using or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the syrup doesn’t get too hot or the cranberries may burst.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Use as garnish for cakes, cocktails, or cheese boards.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg