These festive sugared cranberries are beautiful on a holiday table, looking as if they were lightly dusted with snow. A light simple syrup coats each berry, giving them a beautiful shine. Then they are rolled in sugar for a glittery sparkle that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any winter holiday. Each berry bursts with sweet-tart flavor that leaves everyone craving more!
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What Are Sugared Cranberries?
Sugared cranberries are an easy to make snack using only two ingredients and water. They are a favorite treat in the late fall and winter in North America, especially around the holidays. The cranberries are coated with simple syrup, rolled in sugar, and allowed to dry for a short amount of time. This results in a crispy, sugary coating around each berry that resembles freshly fallen snow.
Cranberries are one of a few fruits that are native to North America, growing in the northeastern part of the country. They have a myriad of health benefits, from preventing urinary tract infections to inhibiting the spread of cancer. Cranberries are also abundant in antioxidants, which fight the free radicals that are linked to several diseases and illnesses.
How Long Do Sugared Cranberries Last?
Sugared cranberries should be stored at room temperature in a tightly lidded container. Moisture is the enemy of this tasty treat, so putting a small cup of uncooked rice in the container can help prolong the length of time your berries will stay fresh. They will keep for up to a week at room temperature.
Sometimes the cranberries will weep if they become damp from humidity. If this is the case, you can toss them in sugar again to tidy them up a bit. Only do this if the berries are still firm. If they become soft, you should throw them out.
It’s tempting to tuck the finished sugared cranberries into the freezer to enjoy at a later date, but I don’t recommend it. The freezing process affects the water in the cranberries, so when they thaw they become mushy and unappetizing. If you want to make them ahead, try to make them a few days before you want to serve them. Just keep them at room temperature as described above.
How Do I Serve Sugared Cranberries?
- Eat them as they are for a sweet-tart snack.
- Use as part of a charcuterie board.
- Place on a toothpick for cocktail garnishing.
- Decorate frosted cakes or cupcakes with them.
- Mix into original Chex mix or other holiday snack mix.
- Use at breakfast as a mix-in for yogurt or oatmeal, or to top off cold cereal.
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Directions
- Make the simple syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir cranberries in syrup for 1 to 2 minutes, until coated.
- Spread cranberries on a sheet of wax paper. Allow to dry for an hour.
- Pour 1 of the 2 cups sugar in a plastic bag. Working in batches, drop cranberries into sugar and shake until coated.
- Remove sugared cranberries from bag. Lay them on a new sheet of wax paper to dry for at least an hour. Store at room temperature in a container with a tightly fitted lid.
Looking for More Holiday Favorites?
- Check out our Roasted Cinnamon Sugared Pecans for another winter snack
- Toast to the holiday with a glass of Holiday Eggnog
- Enjoy a satisfying dessert of Old Fashioned Creamy Rice Pudding
Sugared Cranberries
Difficulty: Easy10
servings10
minutes2
hours2
hours10
minutesThese festive sugared cranberries are beautiful on a holiday table, looking as if they were dusted with snow.
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
12 oz cranberries
2 cups sugar
Directions
- Make the simple syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir cranberries in syrup for 1 to 2 minutes, until coated.
- Spread cranberries on a sheet of wax paper. Allow to dry for an hour.
- Pour 1 of the 2 cups sugar in a plastic bag. Working in batches, drop cranberries into sugar and shake until coated.
- Remove sugared cranberries from bag. Lay them on a new sheet of wax paper to dry for at least an hour. Store at room temperature in a container with a tightly fitted lid.
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