There’s something special about Sugared Cranberries (aka Candied Cranberries) — the way their aroma fills the kitchen and makes everyone wander in for a taste. The bright, slightly tart fruit, coated in sweet sugar, brings a sense of joy and familiarity. As the little red beauties glow under a sprinkle of sugar, they become much more than just a snack. They embody the spirit of togetherness, the warmth of home, and the delight of something simple yet extraordinary.
Imagine serving these vibrant cranberries at your holiday table or using them to bring a pop of color to your dessert charcuterie board. The best part? They are remarkably easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these delightful treats are just a few steps away from being yours.
Why You’ll Love Making This Sugared Cranberries (aka Candied Cranberries)
Making Sugared Cranberries feels like a little culinary magic. In just a short time, you can transform fresh cranberries into something beautiful and delicious. They add a touch of sparkle to any dish, and their sweet-tart flavor is a joyful burst in your mouth.
The process is incredibly simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients. You don’t need elaborate equipment or complicated techniques, just a little bit of patience and love. Plus, these cranberries make for a delightful gift during festive seasons. Imagine sharing a jar of homemade Sugared Cranberries with friends and family — it’s a sweet gesture that shows you care.
What’s more, this recipe is a wonderful opportunity to get creative. You can use the finished cranberries in numerous ways, from toppings to flavored cocktails.
So roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into the world of homemade cranberries.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sugared Cranberries (aka Candied Cranberries)
“Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about enjoying every delicious step.”
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s take a moment to gather our ingredients. Here is a quick overview of what you will need to create these delightful Sugared Cranberries.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sugared Cranberries (aka Candied Cranberries)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided: This will be used to create the syrup and later the coating.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried: Choose firm, bright berries to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- ½ cup water: This helps dissolve the sugar to form syrup.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s start making these delightful treats!
Directions: Cooking with Confidence
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Combine the sugar and water: In a small saucepan, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with ½ cup of water.
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Bring to a simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently. You want the sugar to dissolve completely, so keep an eye on it. This will take just a few minutes.
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Cool the syrup: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool down to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the cranberries to absorb the syrup better.
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Add cranberries: When the syrup has cooled, place your rinsed and dried cranberries into the saucepan. Stir them gently to coat each berry in the sweet syrup.
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Drain and dry: Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the coated cranberries to a wire rack. This will allow the excess syrup to drip off, and they will need about 45 minutes to dry.
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Prepare sugar for coating: While the cranberries are drying, pour the remaining ¼ cup of sugar into a shallow dish.
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Coat the cranberries: Once the cranberries are dry, take a few of them and place them into the dish with sugar. Toss them gently until they are thoroughly coated. Then, put them back on the wire rack, allowing any excess sugar to fall away.
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Repeat the process: Continue this process with the rest of the cranberries until they all shine with sugar.
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Enjoy your creation: Use your Sugared Cranberries as desired. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. If you notice any of them beginning to weep, simply toss them in a bit more sugar to keep them looking beautiful.
How to Serve Sugared Cranberries (aka Candied Cranberries) and Make It Shine
Sugared Cranberries are incredibly versatile. You can serve them in various delightful ways. Here are some easy ideas to get you started:
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As a garnish: Use them as a festive garnish for cocktails, drinks, or even desserts. Their bright color and sweet flavor can bring any dish to life.
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Cheese platters: Incorporate these cranberries into cheese boards. They pair wonderfully with creamy cheeses like Brie or tangy blue cheese.
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In salads: Toss a handful in your salads for a burst of flavor and color. Their sweetness can balance out savory greens beautifully.
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Baking: Sprinkle them over cakes or pastries. They can add a festive touch to your baked goods during the holiday season.
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Gift them: Fill a small glass jar with Sugared Cranberries and tie it with a pretty ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
How to Store Sugared Cranberries (aka Candied Cranberries) for Later
If you find yourself with extra Sugared Cranberries, storing them is quite simple. Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for about 2 to 3 days.
If you want to hold onto them even longer, consider refrigerating them. Just remember to allow them to come back to room temperature before serving. If you notice they begin to lose their sparkle, or start to weep a bit, give them a light toss in sugar again to refresh their appearance.
Clara’s Tips for Success
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Choose fresh cranberries: Look for bright, firm cranberries without any blemishes. This ensures the best flavor in your finished product.
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Let the syrup cool: Don’t skip on cooling the syrup fully before adding the cranberries, as this helps them absorb the sweet flavor more effectively.
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Use a wire rack: If you don’t have a wire rack, you can use a parchment-lined baking sheet. Just make sure the cranberries have space to dry comfortably.
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Add spices: Get creative by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the syrup for a different flavor profile.
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Experiment with sugar options: Feel free to try using coarse sugar for a crunchier texture or flavored sugar like vanilla sugar for an extra twist.
Simple Variations to Try
Once you’re comfortable with the classic recipe, feel free to explore a few variations:
- Peppermint Sugared Cranberries: Add a tiny drop of peppermint extract to the syrup for a wintery twist.
- Citrus Twist: Zest an orange or lemon into the sugar for a bright, zesty flavor that pairs well with the cranberries.
- Herbed Option: Try tossing your finished cranberries with fresh rosemary or thyme for an unexpected savory-sweet combo.
FAQs About Sugared Cranberries (aka Candied Cranberries)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe keeps beautifully. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be good for a couple of days. You can enjoy them as an occasional treat or serve them at gatherings.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are truly preferable as they maintain their texture better. However, if frozen is all you have, you can still make this recipe. Just thaw them and dry them thoroughly before proceeding.
How do I know when the syrup is ready?
The syrup is ready when the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear. It doesn’t need to boil, so keep an eye on it!
Can I use brown sugar instead?
Absolutely! Brown sugar will add a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the cranberries. Just know the color may be darker.
What if my cranberries are too sweet?
If you find the cranberries have become too sweet for your liking, consider serving them with something tart. Feta cheese or a citrus vinaigrette can balance the sweetness nicely.
Final Encouragement or Closing Note
I hope this Sugared Cranberries (aka Candied Cranberries) helps you discover how simple and rewarding homemade cooking can be. You’ve got this. With every sweet bite, not only do you treat yourself, but you also create lovely memories to share. Happy cooking!
Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with ½ cup of water.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, add the rinsed and dried cranberries to the saucepan and stir to coat them in syrup.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the coated cranberries to a wire rack to drain excess syrup.
- Let the cranberries dry for about 45 minutes.
- While drying, pour the remaining ¼ cup of sugar into a shallow dish.
- Once the cranberries are dry, toss them in the sugar until thoroughly coated.
- Place them back on the wire rack to allow excess sugar to fall away.
- Enjoy your Sugared Cranberries either immediately or store in an airtight container.
