If you have a sweet tooth and love festive treats, you are going to fall head over heels for The Easiest Sugared Cranberries Recipe. This delightful little gem transforms simple fresh cranberries into sparkling, sugary jewels that not only taste like a dream but add that perfect pop of color and crunch to any holiday spread or everyday snack. Seriously, it’s a game changer for anyone looking to brighten up their desserts or just enjoy a naturally tangy treat with a sweet twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with The Easiest Sugared Cranberries Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, yet every one of them plays an essential role. From the tart burst of fresh cranberries to the rich sweetness of maple syrup and granulated sugar, each ingredient contributes perfectly to the flavor, texture, and sparkling appearance of this treat.
- Fresh cranberries (12 ounces): Make sure they’re firm and bright for the best tangy flavor and crunch.
- Maple syrup (1 ½ cups): Adds a natural sweetness that gently coats the berries, helping the sugar stick later on.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Provides that classic sugary crunch and beautiful sparkle.
How to Make The Easiest Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cranberries
Start by rinsing the cranberries thoroughly under cold water. Pick through them and discard any that are soft or bruised—only the freshest berries will give you that satisfying snap and perfect tart bite.
Step 2: Mix Cranberries and Maple Syrup
Place your rinsed cranberries into a tupperware container with a lid, then pour in the maple syrup. Give everything a good stir to coat each cranberry evenly. This natural syrup helps build the lusciously sweet base your berries need before the sugar step.
Step 3: Refrigerate
Cover the container with its lid and pop it in the fridge overnight or for about 6 to 8 hours. This soaking period lets the cranberries absorb some of that maple sweetness while softening slightly without losing their signature snap.
Step 4: Drain Off Excess Syrup
The next day, drain the cranberries using a colander set over a bowl so you can save the leftover maple syrup for pancakes or toast—it’s liquid gold.
Step 5: Coat with Sugar
Spread granulated sugar onto a rimmed baking sheet. Working in small batches, gently roll the drained cranberries in the sugar until they’re beautiful little sparkling gems. This part is so much fun and a favorite for both kids and adults! Don’t hesitate to lick your fingers during this step—you deserve it.
Step 6: Let Them Dry
Place the sugared cranberries on a cooking rack or baking sheet, making sure none are touching. This allows air to circulate and helps the sugar coating dry to a lovely, crisp texture.
Step 7: Patience is Key
Let the cranberries sit uncovered for at least an hour to dry out well; the longer, the better. Pop the pan in the fridge to speed up drying and keep them crisp.
Step 8: Proper Storage
Store your sugared cranberries uncovered on a pan or shallow dish. Covering them or letting them touch causes sogginess, so give your crunchy jewels room to breathe.
Step 9: Gift-Worthy Presentation
If you want to share the joy and give these as a hostess gift, layer them in a tin lined with parchment paper. Add another parchment layer if you have multiple layers and remind the recipient to open the tin quickly to keep the cranberries crisp and fresh.
How to Serve The Easiest Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
These sugared cranberries are as pretty as candy and make an irresistible garnish. Sprinkle them over cakes, cupcakes, or cheesecake to instantly elevate any dessert with their vibrant red sparkle and juicy sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these tangy-sweet bites with cheese boards or charcuterie spreads for a festive touch that balances creamy cheeses and cured meats beautifully. They also make a delightful winter salad topping, adding pop and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Fill clear glass jars or bowls with sugared cranberries and add fairy lights for an enchanting holiday centerpiece. Or scatter them on a dessert table, where their sparkle can double as edible decoration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sugared cranberries keep best when stored uncovered in a single layer on a shallow dish in the fridge. This prevents moisture buildup and keeps them crisp and beautifully coated.
Freezing
Freezing sugared cranberries isn’t ideal as it can cause them to stick together and lose their crunchy sugar coating once thawed, so best to enjoy them fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat sugared cranberries—these treats are perfect served cold or at room temperature straight from the fridge, keeping their signature burst of flavor and crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe because they have a firmer texture. Frozen cranberries tend to be too soft and watery, which affects how well they hold the sugar coating.
Is maple syrup necessary, or can I use honey?
Maple syrup adds a unique richness and subtle flavor that complements the cranberries perfectly. Honey could work, but it will change the taste and may be a little thicker, making coating a bit trickier.
How long do sugared cranberries last?
If stored properly uncovered in the fridge, they’ll stay deliciously fresh and crunchy for up to 3-4 days.
Can kids help make The Easiest Sugared Cranberries Recipe?
Absolutely! Rolling the berries in sugar is a fun, hands-on step that kids especially love. Just supervise to keep things tidy.
What other uses do sugared cranberries have?
Besides snacking, these sugared cranberries add gorgeous finishing touches to drinks, desserts, cheese plates, and even festive breads. Their versatility makes them a holiday favorite.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about making The Easiest Sugared Cranberries Recipe from scratch. It’s a straightforward, fun process that turns fresh cranberries into dazzling little treats bursting with flavor and personality. Whether you’re decorating desserts, adding sparkle to a party, or simply indulging in a sweet-tart snack, this recipe is a total winner to keep in your festive food arsenal. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite holiday tradition.
Print
The Easiest Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes plus overnight refrigeration (6-8 hours)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These sugared cranberries are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and granulated sugar. Perfect for holiday garnishes, festive snacks, or charming gifts, they require no cooking, just simple refrigeration and sugar coating to create a crisp, sweet exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft to ensure freshness and the best texture for sugaring.
- Combine with maple syrup: Place the rinsed cranberries in a tupperware container with a lid, then stir in the maple syrup until all berries are coated evenly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the container and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours, allowing the cranberries to absorb the syrup and become infused with sweetness.
- Drain excess syrup: Transfer the cranberries to a colander set over a bowl to catch the drained syrup, which can be saved and used as a delicious pancake topping.
- Coat with sugar: Spread the granulated sugar on a rimmed baking sheet. Working in small batches of 2-3 cranberries, roll each syrup-drained cranberry in the sugar until fully coated, ensuring they are evenly sugared on all sides.
- Dry and crisp: Lay the sugared cranberries on the baking sheet or on a cooking rack, making sure none are touching to allow them to dry properly and become crisp.
- Let dry: Allow the cranberries to dry at least one hour in an uncovered environment, preferably in the fridge to speed drying and maximize crispiness.
- Store properly: Store the sugared cranberries uncovered on a pan or shallow dish. Covering or stacking them will cause sogginess, ruining the crisp texture.
- Gift packing: For gifting, layer the cranberries in a tin lined with parchment paper, placing additional parchment between layers. Advise the recipient to open the tin promptly to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use only fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture.
- Save the drained maple syrup for pancakes or as a sweetener in other recipes.
- Ensuring the cranberries do not touch while drying helps them get nice and crisp.
- Refrigerate the sugared cranberries if not serving immediately to keep them fresh and crisp.
- Perfect as a festive garnish for cocktails, desserts, or salads.
- Can be stored uncovered in the refrigerator for up to a week.
