Candied Cranberries: Deliciously Simple & Perfect for Holiday Cheer!

Let’s be honest, the holidays can get a little…predictable. Same old songs, same old sweaters, and dare I say, same old food? But what if I told you there’s a way to add a little sparkle, a little pop of both flavor and festivity to your seasonal spread? Enter candied cranberries, my friend. These little ruby-red jewels are about to become your new holiday obsession. And no, I’m not being dramatic.

I stumbled upon the magic of candied cranberries a few years ago while desperately trying to elevate a rather boring cheesecake. A handful of these glittery globes later, and I was hooked. They’re sweet, they’re tart, they’re gorgeous, and IMO, they’re ridiculously easy to make.

So, What’s the Deal? Candied vs. Sugared Cranberries

First things first, let’s clear up some confusion. You’ll often see the terms “candied cranberries” and “sugared cranberries” used interchangeably, and for the most part, that’s fine. They both refer to fresh cranberries coated in sugar. However, there can be a subtle difference in the process.

• Sugared Cranberries: This is the most common method. You make a simple syrup of sugar and water, give the cranberries a quick bath in it, let them dry until they’re tacky, and then roll them in more sugar for that frosty look. It’s quick, easy, and gives you that perfect sweet-tart crunch.
• Candied Cranberries: Sometimes, this term refers to a more involved process where the cranberries are simmered in the sugar syrup for a longer period, becoming softer and more infused with sweetness, almost like a jammy berry. For our purposes, we’re sticking to the easier, sparklier version that’s perfect for garnishing and snacking.

Let’s Get This Cranberry Party Started: The Recipe

Ready to make some magic? Here’s what you’ll need. It’s a super short list, which is always a win in my book.

Ingredients

• 1 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries
• 2 cups of granulated sugar, divided
• ½ cup of water

That’s it! I told you it was simple. Now, for the main event.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Berries: Give those cranberries a good rinse and pick out any that look a little sad or squishy. Pat them completely dry – this is important for getting the syrup to stick properly.
2. Make the Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water. Heat it over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. You don’t want to bring it to a rolling boil; just a gentle simmer will do.
3. Give ’em a Bath: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, stir in your clean, dry cranberries, making sure to coat them all in that sugary goodness. Let them hang out in the syrup for a few minutes. Don’t let them cook, or they might burst!
4. The Drying Game: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them dry for about an hour. They should be sticky to the touch but not dripping wet. This step is crucial for getting that perfect sugar crust.
5. Let it Snow!: Once your cranberries are nice and tacky, it’s time for the fun part. Roll them, in batches, in the remaining sugar until they’re completely coated and look like they’ve been kissed by a frost fairy.
6. One More Rest: Spread the now-sugared cranberries back on the wire rack or a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them dry for another hour or so until the sugary coating is firm.

And voilà! You’ve just created the most beautiful, festive, and delicious little treats.

Feeling Fancy? Let’s Talk Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, why not get a little creative? These cranberries are a fantastic canvas for other flavors.

Orange Juice Recipes & Other Fruity Creations

One of my favorite twists is adding a splash of citrus. You can easily incorporate orange juice into this recipe.

• Orange-Infused Syrup: When making your simple syrup, substitute some of the water with fresh orange juice. You can also add a bit of orange zest for an extra pop of flavor. This pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries.
• The TikTok Sensation: Have you seen that viral recipe floating around? It involves soaking the cranberries in a mixture of orange juice and 7Up or even Prosecco for 24 hours before coating them in powdered sugar and baking for a few minutes. The result is a cranberry that literally pops in your mouth. It’s a totally different texture but super fun.

A Boozy Twist with Prosecco and Orange Juice

Speaking of Prosecco, why not make a batch of cranberries specifically for your holiday cocktails? Soaking the cranberries in a Prosecco and orange juice mixture before the sugar-coating process will infuse them with a subtle bubbly kick. They make an absolutely stunning garnish for a mimosa or a glass of bubbly.

What in the World Do I Do With These Things?

So you’ve got a beautiful bowl of sparkling cranberries. Now what? Oh, the possibilities are endless, my friend.

• Garnish Everything: Seriously. Cakes, pies, cheesecakes, cocktails, you name it. They add an instant touch of elegance and festivity. Imagine them scattered over a holiday roast platter!
• Elevate Your Cheese Board: Move over, grapes. Candied cranberries are the new star of the charcuterie board. Their tartness is a perfect complement to creamy cheeses like brie.
• Snack Attack: Just put them in a bowl and watch them disappear. They have a delightful sweet-tart flavor and a satisfying crunch that makes them incredibly snackable.
• Christmas Food Gifts: Pack these beauties into a cute jar with a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. Who wouldn’t love to receive a little jar of edible glitter?

Let’s Get Technical: The Magic of Cranberry Powder

Want to take your cranberry obsession a step further? Let’s talk cranberry powder. This stuff is a game-changer. You can make it yourself by dehydrating cranberries until they are completely dry and brittle, then blitzing them in a blender or coffee grinder until you have a fine powder.

You can use this vibrant powder to:

• Add a tart kick to smoothies.
• Rim cocktail glasses for a festive touch.
• Incorporate into baked goods for a boost of cranberry flavor without the added moisture of fresh berries.

Storing Your Precious Gems

Your beautiful candied cranberries will last for a few days in an airtight container. Some say to store them in the fridge, while others recommend a cool, dark place to prevent them from “weeping” or getting watery. If they do start to look a little damp, you can always give them another quick toss in sugar to freshen them up.

Final Thoughts? You Absolutely Need These in Your Life.

Honestly, once you make your first batch of candied cranberries, you’ll wonder how you ever survived the holidays without them. They are the definition of “small effort, big reward.” They’re versatile, they’re stunning, and they add a special, homemade touch to anything they grace.

So, go ahead, grab a bag of fresh cranberries and get ready to be the hero of your holiday season. You can thank me later. 😉

Candied Cranberries

Beautifully frosted candied cranberries with a sweet crunch and tart burst of flavor. Perfect for holiday garnishes, desserts, cocktails, or festive snacking!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups fresh cranberries rinsed and dried
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar divided
• ½ cup water

Method

 

1. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring gently. Do not boil.
2. Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes so it’s warm but not hot (to prevent cranberries from bursting).
3. Add the cranberries to the syrup and stir gently to coat them evenly.
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them dry for 45–60 minutes, until tacky to the touch.
5. Place the remaining 1 cup of sugar in a shallow bowl or plate. Roll the tacky cranberries in the sugar until evenly coated.
6. Spread the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or parchment paper to dry for another 1 hour, until the sugar coating hardens.
7. Once fully dry, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

For extra sparkle, use superfine sugar for the final coating. Try flavoring the simple syrup with a splash of orange juice, a cinnamon stick, or a few sprigs of rosemary for a festive twist. These cranberries make stunning garnishes for cakes, cheesecakes, or holiday cocktails.