Description
These sparkling sugared cranberries are the ultimate festive treat—sweet, tart, and glittering like holiday jewels. Use them for garnishes, snack boards, or dazzling dessert toppings.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Make the Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat.
Soak Cranberries:
Add fresh cranberries to the warm syrup. Stir gently to coat all cranberries evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Dry the Cranberries:
Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to a parchment-lined tray or wire rack. Let dry at room temperature for 1 hour until tacky.
Coat in Sugar:
Roll tacky cranberries in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar until well coated. For extra sparkle, repeat the coating process.
Final Drying:
Let sugared cranberries sit for another 30 minutes to set.
Store:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
Do not boil syrup after adding cranberries—this will cause them to burst.
Use superfine sugar for a more delicate, frosted appearance.
For extra sparkle, roll cranberries in sugar twice.
Perfect for garnishing holiday cakes, cocktails, cupcakes, or serving on a snack board.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Garnish, Dessert Topping
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
