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
Scale
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.
