Sugared cranberries are a delightful and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. These sparkling, sweet-tart berries are not only delicious but also make a stunning garnish for desserts, cocktails, and holiday centerpieces. Their bright red color and sparkling sugar coating add a touch of elegance to any dish. Making sugared cranberries at home is surprisingly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking to add a special touch to your holiday table or simply want a tasty snack, these sugared cranberries are sure to impress.
The process involves coating fresh cranberries in a simple syrup, then rolling them in sugar to create a glistening, crunchy exterior. The result is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that will delight your taste buds. Sugared cranberries can be enjoyed on their own, used to decorate cakes and pies, or added to holiday drinks for a festive flair. They’re also a great way to use up any extra cranberries you may have from holiday baking. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored, making them a convenient option for holiday entertaining.
These beautiful berries are a versatile addition to your holiday recipes. Whether you serve them as a snack, use them as a garnish, or include them in your holiday baking, sugared cranberries are sure to be a hit. Their bright, festive appearance and delicious flavor make them a perfect treat for the season. So why not add a touch of sparkle to your holiday celebrations with these easy-to-make sugared cranberries?
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
Making sugared cranberries is a fun and rewarding kitchen project that yields beautiful and delicious results. One of the main reasons you’ll love making this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a stunning holiday treat. The process is straightforward, making it a great recipe for both novice and experienced cooks. Plus, the end result is sure to impress your guests with its professional-looking finish.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Sugared cranberries can be used in a variety of ways, from garnishing cakes and pies to adding a festive touch to cocktails. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet-tart snack on their own. This versatility makes them a valuable addition to your holiday recipe repertoire. You can get creative with how you use them, adding a touch of sparkle to your holiday dishes.
Additionally, sugared cranberries are a make-ahead recipe, which is always a bonus during the busy holiday season. You can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them until you’re ready to use them. This means you can have a beautiful and delicious garnish ready to go without any last-minute stress. Their long shelf life also makes them a great option for gift-giving. Package them in a pretty jar or bag, and you have a homemade holiday gift that everyone will love.
Finally, making sugared cranberries is a great way to involve kids in holiday baking. The process is simple and safe, and kids will love rolling the berries in sugar to create the sparkling coating. It’s a fun and festive activity that can become a cherished holiday tradition. So gather your ingredients, get the kids involved, and enjoy making these delightful sugared cranberries together.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup water
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Coat Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to the simple syrup, stirring to coat all the berries. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cranberries to a wire rack, allowing the excess syrup to drip off. Let the cranberries dry for about an hour until they are tacky to the touch.
- Roll in Sugar: Place the remaining sugar in a shallow dish. Roll the tacky cranberries in the sugar until they are fully coated. Place the sugared cranberries back on the wire rack to dry for another hour.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
Variations
- Flavored Syrup: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the simple syrup for extra flavor.
- Colored Sugar: Use colored sugar for a festive touch. Green or gold sugar works well for holiday-themed cranberries.
- Citrus Twist: Add some citrus zest to the sugar coating for a bright, zesty flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and dried before coating them in the syrup.
How long do sugared cranberries last?
Stored in an airtight container, they can last up to a week.
Can I use different berries?
Yes, you can use other tart berries like currants or gooseberries.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure the cranberries are completely dry before rolling them in sugar to ensure the sugar sticks properly.
- Even Coating: Roll the cranberries in small batches to ensure an even sugar coating.
- Storage: Store sugared cranberries in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture.
Serving Suggestions
Sugared cranberries are perfect for garnishing holiday desserts like cakes and pies. They also make a beautiful addition to holiday cocktails or mocktails, adding a touch of sparkle and a burst of flavor. For a festive appetizer, pair them with a cheese platter. You can also enjoy them as a sweet-tart snack on their own. Their bright, sparkling appearance makes them a lovely decoration for holiday tablescapes and centerpieces. Get creative and enjoy the versatility of these delightful sugared cranberries!
