Sugared Cranberries

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A festive addition to any dessert or cocktail, Sugared Cranberries are sweet, tart, ruby red and add a touch of sparkle.

a bowl full of sugared cranberries and a sprig of rosemary

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This is a recipe that I have been making for years and I decided it deserves the spotlight! Sugared Cranberries are my go-to holiday garnish. They are just so beautifully festive and have the perfect sweet and tart flavor. They truly add an extra special touch that will make your treats stand out.

I make them throughout December and love to use them on cakes, tarts, in cocktails, and sprinkled over a charcuterie board. Whatever you add them to, these ruby red gems are sure to bring Christmas cheer. The options are endless for these sparkly sugared cranberries! If you're not sure where to start, I highly recommend this Chocolate Hazelnut Crepe Cake with Sugared Cranberries or the perfect garnish for a Spiced Cranberry Paloma Cocktail.

Ingredients

a tray full of sugared cranberries that are drying

Sugar-Granulated sugar is used for the simple syrup and it perfect for coating the cranberries. If you want something more course for coating the cranberries you can use sparkling sugar crystals.

Cranberries-Fresh cranberries are a must for this recipe! They are tart in flavor but the sugar syrup and sugar coating adds a perfect amount of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Directions

a tray of cranberries that are coated in simple syrup

In a medium sauce pan, combine the granulated sugar and water and bring to a boil and continue boiling until the sugar is dissolved
Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and pour the fresh cranberries into the syrup
Let the cranberries sit in the syrup for 10 minutes to allow them to absorb the syrup

Strain the cranberries from the syrup and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer
While the cranberries are sticky, dredge them in granulated sugar and place them onto a clean baking sheet to dry
Allow the sugared cranberries to dry for 10 minutes before using

an overhead view of a bowl of sugared cranberries surrounded by rosemary sprigs

Tips and FAQs for Sugared Cranberries

When Can I Use Sugared Cranberries
I love using sugared cranberries all fall and winter long. They add a beautiful touch to cakes, cupcakes, cocktails and even sprinkled on a charcuterie board for a pop of color.

Recipe Variations
It is fun and easy to sugar many different ingredients that will add a fancy touch to any recipe. I love making sugared Rosemary, Lemon Slices, Mint Leaves and Strawberries.

Easy Clean Up
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will help reduce messiness while the sticky cranberries dry.

What else can you sugar?

There are so many great options that will add a festive touch when dredged in sugar for some sparkle and shine. A few are: rosemary, lemon slices, mint leaves, and strawberries. Get creative with your garnishes!

How do I store the Sugared Cranberries?

These are best enjoyed the day you make them, but if you have extras place them in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Can I freeze sugared cranberries?

I would not recommend freezing sugared cranberries but would rather you make them fresh as needed! They are very quick to make.

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