Sugared Cranberries

Introduction

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, Sugared Cranberries are your go-to holiday snack! These little gems are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a sparkling sugar coating that makes them look like tiny pieces of holiday magic. They add a gorgeous pop of color to any dish and are versatile enough to be used as garnishes, in cocktails, or enjoyed on their own.

Making sugared cranberries is as simple as it is fun! You just need a few basic ingredients: fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. After a quick soak and dusting, they’re ready to shine on your holiday table. They’re perfect for adding a festive touch to salads, desserts, and even cocktails—imagine these glimmering atop a glass of champagne or perched on a holiday cake. You could even toss them in a bowl and let your guests enjoy the sweet-tart bite as they gather around.

Tips for Success:

• Make sure your cranberries are fresh—dried ones won’t work as well.
• To get that perfect sugared coating, make sure the cranberries are thoroughly dry before tossing them in the sugar.
• Try adding a splash of vanilla or orange zest to your syrup for a subtle flavor boost.

Sugared cranberries are a simple yet stunning way to add a little extra sparkle and cheer to your holiday spread. So, grab some cranberries and let’s get ready to create these beautiful, bite-sized bites of joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are some reasons to fall head over heels for Sugared Cranberries:

• Glamorous Appearance: The sparkling sugar makes these cranberries look like little jewels—perfect for a festive touch.
• Sweet and Tart: The natural tartness of cranberries perfectly balances the sugary coating, creating a delightful bite.
• Versatile: Use them as a garnish for cocktails, cakes, or salads, or simply enjoy them as a snack.
• Quick to Make: With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a beautiful treat in no time.
• Make Ahead: Prepare them a day or two before your event to save time on the big day.
• Fun Activity: This is a great recipe to do with kids or friends—let everyone join in on the fun!
• Great Gift Idea: Package them in cute jars or bags for a thoughtful and pretty homemade gift.
• Customizable: Add a little extra flair with flavored sugar or a dash of cinnamon for a twist on the classic.
• Perfect for Holiday Entertaining: They’re sure to impress your guests at any holiday gathering.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (includes setting time)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 4 cups
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories (for a 1/4 cup serving)
• Key Nutrients: Vitamin C: 10% DV, Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 23g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Sugared Cranberries:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for simple syrup)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Cranberries: These are the star of the show! Tart and tangy, they’re perfect for this treat.
• Granulated Sugar: Used both for making the simple syrup and for coating the cranberries, giving them that irresistible sugary sparkle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Sugared Cranberries:

Make the Simple Syrup

1. Heat the Water and Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

Coat the Cranberries

1. Prep the Cranberries: Rinse your fresh cranberries under cool water. Pick through them to remove any stems or soft berries.
2. Soak in Syrup: Once your simple syrup has cooled, pour it over the cranberries in a bowl. Stir gently to coat. Let the cranberries sit in the syrup for about 30 minutes to soak up all that sugary goodness.
3. Drain the Cranberries: After they’ve soaked, drain the cranberries in a fine mesh strainer to remove any excess syrup.

Sugar Coating

1. Coat with Sugar: Spread 1/2 cup of granulated sugar on a plate. Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar, making sure they’re well-coated. For a little extra sparkle, you can even roll them twice!
2. Set to Dry: Place the sugared cranberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them sit for at least 1 hour to dry and harden up.

How to Serve

Here are some fun ways to use your Sugared Cranberries:

1. Garnish for Cocktails: Drop a few sugared cranberries into your favorite holiday cocktail for a festive twist.
2. Decorate Desserts: Top cakes, cupcakes, or pies with these sparkling cranberries for an eye-catching finish.
3. Salads: Toss them into a winter salad for a sweet and tart surprise.
4. Snacking: Enjoy them by the handful as a light, sweet treat.
5. Holiday Garnish: Use them to decorate your holiday table or add a little extra sparkle to your place settings.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Sugared Cranberries with these helpful tips:

1. Let Them Dry: Be sure to let the cranberries dry fully before storing them to prevent them from becoming sticky.
2. Use Flavored Sugar: For a twist, mix cinnamon or vanilla into your sugar for an extra flavor boost.
3. Make Them Ahead: Sugared cranberries store beautifully, so you can prepare them a day or two in advance.
4. Keep Them Crisp: Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
5. Don’t Overcrowd: When rolling the cranberries in sugar, make sure they have enough space to get evenly coated.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Cinnamon Sugar: Coat cranberries with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a cozy, spiced version.
• Lemon Sugar: Add lemon zest to your sugar for a citrusy twist.
• Sugared Citrus Peel: Add sugared orange or lemon peel to complement the cranberries.
• Gluten-Free Option: No changes needed—this recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Freezing and Storage

Ensure proper storage to keep your Sugared Cranberries fresh and tasty:

• Storage: Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze sugared cranberries! Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen cranberries at room temperature before serving, but note they may lose some of their crunch.

Special Equipment

You may need these kitchen tools to create your Sugared Cranberries:

• Saucepan: To make the simple syrup.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: To drain excess syrup from the cranberries.
• Baking Sheet: For drying the sugared cranberries.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent the cranberries from sticking during the drying process.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Sugared Cranberries:

• Can I use frozen cranberries?
  It’s best to use fresh cranberries, but if you only have frozen, let them thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
• How long can I store sugared cranberries?
  They last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated.
• Can I use the leftover simple syrup?
  Absolutely! It’s perfect for sweetening drinks or adding to desserts.
• Can I make these in advance?
  Yes, sugared cranberries can be made up to 2 days ahead for easy prep.
• How long do sugared cranberries last?
• Sugared cranberries can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need them to last longer, store them in the fridge, and they can last for up to 2 weeks.
• Can I use a different sugar for coating?
• Yes! While granulated sugar is the most common, you can experiment with superfine sugar for a smoother finish or even try sparkling sugar for a bit of extra sparkle.
• Can I make sugared cranberries ahead of time?
• Absolutely! These are perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the cranberries and store them in an airtight container up to a week ahead of your event.
• What can I do with leftover sugared cranberries?
  Leftover sugared cranberries make a great addition to cocktails, salads, or even as a garnish on desserts. You can also stir them into oatmeal or mix them into a holiday trail mix.

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Conclusion

Sugared Cranberries are the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and flavor to any celebration. Whether you’re using them to garnish your favorite dishes, decorating cakes, or simply snacking on them, these little berries are sure to shine. Their vibrant color and sugary sparkle make them a festive treat that can elevate any occasion.

With minimal effort and maximum impact, these cranberries are a fantastic make-ahead option that will impress your guests without adding stress to your preparations. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the best part is, they’re so easy to make! Just grab a bag of fresh cranberries, coat them in sugar, and watch these little holiday delights come to life.

So, get ready to add some festive flair to your spread! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!