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sugared cranberries A white bowl filled with sugar-coated cranberries, styled on a bright, soft background.

Sugared Cranberries

Sparkling, sugar-crusted Sugared Cranberries that add instant holiday magic to desserts, drinks, and snack boards.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Keyword: cranberry garnish, frosted cranberries, holiday desserts, sugared cranberries
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 151kcal
Cost: $10

Ingredients

  • 1 ⅞ cups granulated sugar divided for syrup and coating, regular white sugar works best
  • ⅝ cup water used to create a light simple syrup
  • 1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries washed and completely dried, do not substitute dried

Instructions

  • Combine part of the sugar with the water in a small saucepan and warm over medium heat until the sugar melts fully, keeping the mixture below a boil.
    Close-up of bubbling sugar syrup cooking in a pan during the candying process.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat, add the cranberries, and gently stir for 1 to 2 minutes until every berry is glossy and coated.
    Cranberries simmering in a sugar syrup in a saucepan, appearing glossy and red.
  • Lift the cranberries out with a slotted spoon, spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and allow them to cool until tacky, about 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Place the remaining sugar into a bowl and roll the sticky cranberries in small batches until fully covered and frosted.
    Overhead view of a hand sprinkling sugar over fresh cranberries in a glass bowl.
  • Transfer the coated cranberries to a clean parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest another 30 to 45 minutes until the sugar hardens completely.

Notes

A simple syrup rest makes all the difference for that frosty finish. These cranberries sparkle best when given time to dry fully and are perfect for cozy holiday moments.

Nutrition

Serving: 35g | Calories: 151kcal (8%) | Carbohydrates: 39g (13%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 1g (2%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 38g (42%) | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg (6%)
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