Name: Sugared Cranberries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar (divided); 1 cup water; 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)

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Every year, as the leaves start to turn and the air gets a bit crisper, I find myself longing for the sweet and tangy delight of Sugared Cranberries. This treat has become a festive staple in my home, often making an appearance at our holiday gatherings. I remember the first time I brought them to a Christmas party; the way the cranberries sparkled with sugar caught everyone’s eye, and they were even more delicious than they looked! There’s something magical about the combination of tartness from the cranberries and the sweetness of sugar that makes them irresistible. You can use them as a garnish, in a salad, or simply enjoy them as a snack. They add a festive touch to any table, and they’re surprisingly easy to make!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
0 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
0 g

Tools Used:
Large Pot, Saucepan, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl

Making Sugared Cranberries is more than just a recipe; it’s about capturing the essence of the holiday season in every bite. I love how these little gems can brighten up any dish, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a grand holiday feast. They’re also a great activity to do with friends or family, letting everyone get in on the fun of rolling the cranberries in sugar. Plus, the vibrant color of the cranberries is a beautiful contrast against the snowy white sugar, evoking a sense of winter wonderland. Trust me when I say, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

Let’s dive into why Sugared Cranberries are the perfect addition to your holiday repertoire!

The Charm of This Sugared Cranberries

They’re Easy to Make

One of the best things about Sugared Cranberries is how simple they are. You only need a few ingredients: water, granulated sugar, and of course, fresh or frozen cranberries. The process requires minimal cooking, making it perfect for even the busiest of holiday cooks.

Versatile Use

These cranberries can be used in many ways! From garnishing your favorite desserts to adding a pop of color in salads, Sugared Cranberries are a fabulous addition to any dish. Their bright, sweet taste complements both sweet and savory recipes!

A Stunning Presentation

When you serve Sugared Cranberries, you’re not just offering a treat, you’re presenting a work of art. The shiny coating of sugar makes them look exquisite, and they add a festive flair to any table setting.

Great for Gifting

Looking for a thoughtful gift idea? Consider packaging some Sugared Cranberries in a cute jar with a pretty ribbon. They make delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will love!

Perfect for Any Occasion

While they truly shine during the holidays, Sugared Cranberries can be enjoyed year-round. Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a winter celebration, these cranberries bring joy to any gathering.

Essential Ingredients for Sugared Cranberries

The ingredients for Sugared Cranberries are simple yet vital to achieving that perfect balance of flavors. Each one plays a significant role in creating the treat we all adore. Let’s take a closer look at these key players:

Granulated Sugar: This is the star ingredient. It not only sweetens the cranberries but also forms that delicious sugary coating.
Water: Needed to dissolve the sugar, creating a syrup that helps the sugar stick to the cranberries.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, they contribute a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar perfectly.

Putting Together Sugared Cranberries

Making Sugared Cranberries is a delightful process that brings the kitchen alive with festive cheer. Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch:

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of the granulated sugar and the water. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. As the mixture heats up, stir frequently so the sugar dissolves fully, creating a syrup.
Once the syrup is boiling, add in half of the cranberries to the pan. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 1 minute. You’ll notice the cranberries start to pop, releasing their juices.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cranberries from the pan and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. This allows excess syrup to drip off while they cool.
Repeat the process with the remaining cranberries. Afterward, let all cranberries sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes. They should feel slightly tacky to the touch.
In a wide, shallow bowl, add the remaining granulated sugar. Add a few cranberries at a time, rolling them in the sugar until completely coated on all sides. Be gentle but firm!
Transfer the coated cranberries back to the wire rack. This process ensures they’re evenly covered and will have that beautiful sugared appearance.
Once all cranberries have been sugared, leave them to dry at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This waiting period allows the sugar to set, resulting in that perfect crunch when you bite in!
After the cranberries have dried, taste one! They should be sweet with a slight tang from the cranberries and a delightful crunch from the sugar. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries have the best flavor. If you’re using frozen ones, make sure not to thaw them as they’ll become mushy.
Watch the Sugar: Adjust the amount of granulated sugar based on your preference for sweetness. You can even try experimenting with flavored sugars!
Storage Tips: Once dried, store your Sugared Cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture.
Make Ahead: These can be made a day ahead, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without last-minute stress!

Helpful Notes about Sugared Cranberries

Making Sugared Cranberries can be a fun and easy process, but here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:

Storage: Store your Sugared Cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.
Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze sugared cranberries because they may lose their crunch, you can freeze them before sugaring for later use.
Pairing: Serve them with cheese, salads, or desserts for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Serving Size: A little goes a long way! Use them as a garnish or a sweet snack.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different sugars or flavorings, like citrus zest, to add a unique twist!

How to Enjoy Sugared Cranberries

There are countless ways to enjoy Sugared Cranberries throughout the year. Here are some suggestions for serving them:

As a Garnish: Use them to top off desserts like cakes or cheesecakes for a stunning presentation.
In Salads: Toss them into salads for a sweet burst, complementing greens and nuts beautifully.
Snack Time: They make a perfect snack on their own or mixed into trail mix.
Holiday Tables: These are a beautiful addition to any holiday dinner table, providing color and flavor to your spread.
Gift Them: Package some Sugared Cranberries in a jar with a ribbon for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

FAQ

Yes, you can definitely use frozen cranberries to make Sugared Cranberries. However, it’s best to not thaw them beforehand. Using them frozen helps retain their shape and texture during the cooking process, resulting in that perfect sweet-tart balance that we all love. Just be mindful that they may take a little longer to heat through when you add them to the syrup. Enjoy the process, and you’ll still get those beautiful sugared treats!

To keep your Sugared Cranberries fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about a week. If you notice any moisture, it’s best to consume them quickly, as humidity can cause them to lose their delightful crunch. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their texture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy them as a snack or a garnish for longer!

Absolutely! Sugared Cranberries can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for holiday preparations. You can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. This way, you’ll have one less thing to worry about on the day of your festivities. Just be sure to let them dry completely before storing. They should hold up well and taste just as delicious when you’re ready to serve!

Sugared Cranberries can be used in various ways! They are fantastic as a garnish for desserts, adding a beautiful touch to cakes, tarts, and cheesecakes. You can also toss them into salads for a sweet contrast, or simply enjoy them as a sweet snack. Their versatility makes them a delightful addition to both sweet and savory dishes, bringing a festive flair to your meals!

Conclusion

Sugared Cranberries embody the sweet essence of the holiday season, combining the tartness of cranberries with a sugary crust that’s simply irresistible. They’re not only beautiful to look at but also versatile, perfect for garnishing, snacking, or gifting. I encourage you to try making them this season; they might just become a cherished tradition in your home!