Description
Sugared cranberries are a beautiful and festive garnish perfect for holiday desserts and drinks. These sweet-tart berries are easy to make and add a sparkling touch to cakes, cocktails, or just as a snack. A great way to bring extra flair to your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients
½ cup granulated sugar (for simple syrup)
1 cup water
3 ½ cups fresh cranberries
1 ½ cups granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the simple syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup of sugar with the water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly.
- Coat the cranberries: Add the cranberries to the syrup, stirring to ensure they are fully coated. Let the cranberries sit in the syrup for 15 minutes to soak up the sweetness.
- Dry the cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to dry for 1 hour. This will help the syrup set on the berries.
- Sugar the cranberries: Once the cranberries are sticky and dry, roll them in the remaining sugar in small batches. Place the sugared cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them air-dry for another hour.
- Ready to use: Once dry, your sugared cranberries are ready to be used as a garnish for cakes, cocktails, or anything else you’d like to add a festive touch to.
Notes
- Add Spices: Mix 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg into the sugar for coating the cranberries. Alternatively, add sprigs of rosemary, cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise to the syrup to infuse the cranberries with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Flavored Syrup: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon almond extract to the syrup mixture for extra flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Rub 2 teaspoons of orange zest into the sugar used for coating to give your sugared cranberries a delightful citrusy kick.
- Storage: Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely dry before storing, and place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freezing: To freeze, arrange the sugared cranberries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Transfer the frozen berries to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can be stored for up to one month.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Garnish
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3 cranberries)
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
