Sugared Cranberries are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These sparkling morsels are sweet, tangy, and irresistibly festive, making them an excellent addition to your holiday celebrations. The process of soaking fresh cranberries in simple syrup and then rolling them in sugar creates a frosted, jewel-like finish that is both beautiful and delicious. Whether used as a garnish for desserts, a festive addition to charcuterie boards, or simply enjoyed as a snack, these sugared cranberries are sure to please. Let’s dive into how to make these sweetened cranberries!
Why You’ll Love This Sugared Cranberries
There are countless reasons to adore this sugared cranberries recipe. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make, ensuring that you can whip them up without any fuss. They add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to any dish, making them perfect for festive occasions. Not to mention, they are vegan-friendly and can be enjoyed by everyone. The combination of the sweet syrup and the tart cranberries creates a perfect balance. Plus, they can be stored for a few days, allowing you to prepare them in advance. Best of all, sugared cranberries are versatile and can be used in various recipes, from cocktails to desserts. They are a great way to elevate any festive gathering!
Ingredients for Sugared Cranberries
Gather these items:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar (for syrup)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for rolling)
How to Make Sugared Cranberries Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring water and 1/2 cup sugar to a simmer. Stir until dissolved and remove from heat.
- Step 2: Add fresh cranberries to the syrup and stir to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Transfer cranberries to parchment paper or a wire rack. Let dry for 1 hour until tacky.
- Step 4: Roll cranberries in remaining sugar until fully coated. Let sit another 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Pro Tips for the Best Sugared Cranberries
Keep these in mind:
- Use only fresh cranberries for the best results.
- Make sure the cranberries are fully coated in sugar for that beautiful frosted look.
- For a fun twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the syrup for extra flavor.
- These cranberries are perfect for garnishing cocktails or holiday desserts!
Best Ways to Serve Sugared Cranberries
There are many delicious ways to enjoy sugared cranberries. They make an elegant garnish for various dishes, especially desserts like cakes and puddings. You can sprinkle them over salads for a sweet touch or add them to cheese platters for a burst of color and flavor. They also shine in cocktails, where they can serve as a stunning decoration or be muddled into drinks for added flavor. The best uses for sugared cranberries are limited only by your imagination!
How to Store and Reheat Sugared Cranberries
To keep your sugared cranberries fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for any holiday gathering. If you want to prepare them in advance, just follow the recipe and keep them stored until you’re ready to use them. This ensures you have a beautiful and tasty garnish or snack ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sugared Cranberries
What’s the secret to perfect Sugared Cranberries?
The secret lies in the soaking process; allowing the cranberries to sit in the syrup helps them absorb the sweetness, enhancing their flavor and making them truly delectable.
Can I make Sugared Cranberries ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making them ahead of time allows the sugar coating to set perfectly, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for your holiday parties.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sugared Cranberries?
Ensure that the cranberries are fully dried before rolling them in sugar to achieve that perfect sugary finish. Also, don’t skip the drying time, as it helps the sugar adhere better.
Variations of Sugared Cranberries You Can Try
There are many fun variations of sugared cranberries that you can experiment with. For a twist, try infusing the syrup with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic flavor. You can also consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the syrup for a citrusy twist. Another idea is to roll them in flavored sugars, such as cinnamon or vanilla sugar, to give them a unique flavor profile. Each of these variations will add a delightful touch to your holiday gatherings!
For more festive ideas, check out our recipe category or learn how to make spaghetti with garlic and oil for a delicious meal. You can also explore berry crumble for a sweet dessert option!
PrintSparkling Sugared Cranberries: 5 Festive Ideas
These sparkling Sugared Cranberries are sweet, tangy, and irresistibly festive. Fresh cranberries are soaked in simple syrup, dried until tacky, and rolled in sugar for a frosted, jewel-like finish. Perfect for garnishes, dessert decor, charcuterie boards, cocktails, or a quick holiday snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Soaking and Rolling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar (for syrup)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring water and 1/2 cup sugar to a simmer. Stir until dissolved and remove from heat.
- Add fresh cranberries to the syrup and stir to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Transfer cranberries to parchment paper or a wire rack. Let dry for 1 hour until tacky.
- Roll cranberries in remaining sugar until fully coated. Let sit another 30 minutes.
- Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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