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    Home » Occasion » Christmas

    Sugared Cranberries Recipe (aka Candied Cranberries) - Easy & Festive For the Holidays!

    Published: Dec 22, 2020 · Modified: Aug 28, 2023 by Faith · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe

    These sweet/tart Sugared Cranberries (aka Candied Cranberries) have a hint of vanilla flavor and a ton of sparkle and holiday bling! They’re very easy to make and a fun project to do with kids around the holidays.

    sugared cranberries in red and white tea cup

    The holiday season this year is so much different for all of us. For me, it’s been about making new traditions while reflecting on the past.

    One of my favorite holiday festivities in years past had been going to see the Russian ballet perform The Nutcracker with my family. The ballet is a beautiful experience overall; not only the dance itself, but also the costumes and music. The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy was always my favorite.

    For some reason, Sugared Cranberries always remind me of the Sugar Plum Fairy! It really doesn’t get any more festive, especially because they look like they’re covered in snow.

    frosted cranberries in pile of sugar

    These sparkling cranberries are a delicious sweet/tart treat with a hint of vanilla. The crunchy sweet sugar coating is the perfect balance to the soft texture and tart flavor of cranberries.

    Everyone who tries these says they’re pleasantly surprised at the flavor. These are like nature’s version of sour patch candy!

    They look impressive and elegant, almost like edible Christmas ornaments, and add a little bling to any holiday spread. But you'll be pleasantly surprised that Candied Cranberries are very easy to make! And it’s a fun, engaging, hands-on project for the kids.

    sugared cranberries in measuring cup on tray

    In This Article

    • The Best Sugared Cranberries Recipe (How to Make Candied Cranberries)
    • What Can I Use Sugared Cranberries or Candied Cranberries For?
    • Cranberries FAQ
    • Festive Recipes to Use Sugared Cranberries as a Garnish
    • Sugared Cranberries Recipe (aka Candied Cranberries)

    The Best Sugared Cranberries Recipe (How to Make Candied Cranberries)

    Ingredients

    sugared cranberry ingredients
    • Granulated sugar
    • Water
    • Vanilla extract
    • Fresh cranberries

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    how to make sugared cranberries
    1. Add the sugar and water to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and then boil for 2 minutes.
    2. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and cool slightly (1 to 2 minutes). Stir in the cranberries until they’re all coated well.
    3. Use a slotted spoon or mesh sieve to transfer the cranberries to a wire rack on a baking tray, making sure they’re in a single layer. Let the cranberries dry until they feel slightly tacky, about 1 hour.
    4. Roll the cranberries in sugar. Spread the cranberries out onto a large baking tray and let them dry completely, about 30 minutes.

    What Can I Use Sugared Cranberries or Candied Cranberries For?

    They are a great way to add a little sparkle to a bunch of different things! Here are a few ideas:

    • Cookie platter
    • Charcuterie board or cheese board
    • Holiday breakfast board
    • Pancakes, waffles, or French toast
    • Oatmeal or pudding
    • Festive ice cream sundaes
    • Cocktails or mocktails
    • Salad, such as this Christmas salad
    • Or eat them on their own as a sweet/tart snack
    frosted cranberries in silver measuring cup graphic

    Cranberries FAQ

    Can You Eat Raw Cranberries?

    Yes! Raw cranberries have a tart flavor, but the sugar coating of these Sugared Cranberries balances out their tartness.

    How Long Do Fresh Cranberries Last?

    Fresh cranberries will last up to 1 month in the fridge.

    How Long do Sugared Cranberries Last?

    Candied Cranberries will last up to 5 days stored in the fridge. I find that keeping them in a bowl uncovered in the fridge is the best way to store them.

    What Can I Make with Fresh Cranberries?

    There are surprisingly a lot of different ways to use fresh cranberries! And they're a great source of antioxidants, so go ahead and start enjoying them.

    Here are some ways to use fresh cranberries:

    • Smoothies
    • Relish
    • Salads
    piles of sugared cranberries on tray

    Festive Recipes to Use Sugared Cranberries as a Garnish

    • Orange and Nutmeg-Scented Brown Sugar Bread Pudding
    • Gingerbread Cake Roll
    • Christmas Morning Scones (Vanilla Bean, Nutmeg, and Rosemary-Scented Scones)
    top view of sugared cranberries with sparkly frosted ornaments

    Let's Connect

    an edible mosaic stamp logo 1200 square

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media.

    To stay up-to-date, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!

    easy sugared cranberries recipe featured image

    Sugared Cranberries Recipe (aka Candied Cranberries)

    By: Faith Gorsky
    These sweet/tart Sugared Cranberries (aka Candied Cranberries) have a hint of vanilla flavor and a ton of sparkle and holiday bling! They’re very easy to make and a fun project to do with kids around the holidays.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Drying Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 14 servings
    Calories 95 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ½ cups sugar divided
    • ½ cup water
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 12 ounce fresh cranberries rinsed

    Instructions
     

    • Add the sugar and water to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and then boil for 2 minutes.
    • Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and cool slightly (1 to 2 minutes). Stir in the cranberries until they’re all coated well.
    • Use a slotted spoon or mesh sieve to transfer the cranberries to a wire rack on a baking tray, making sure they’re in a single layer. Let the cranberries dry until they feel slightly tacky, about 1 hour.
    • Roll the cranberries in the remaining 1 cup of sugar. Spread the cranberries out onto a large baking tray and let them dry completely, about 30 minutes.

    Faith's Tips

    • Recipe Yield and Serving Size: This recipe makes about 3 ½ cups of sugared cranberries, or 14 (¼-cup) servings.
    • Storage: Store sugared cranberries in an uncovered bowl in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Sugared Cranberries Recipe (aka Candied Cranberries)
    Amount Per Serving (0.25 cup)
    Calories 95 Calories from Fat 9
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 1g2%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Sodium 1mg0%
    Potassium 21mg1%
    Carbohydrates 24g8%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 22g24%
    Protein 1g2%
    Vitamin A 15IU0%
    Vitamin C 3mg4%
    Calcium 2mg0%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Keyword Candied Cranberries, Sugared Cranberries
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
    sugared cranberries pin

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. PurpleQueen says

      November 17, 2022 at 11:57 am

      5 stars
      These are so good, they make beautiful and festive decorations for baked goods during the holiday season, and you can switch the liquid called for in recipe. I used orange juice. Give them a try!

      Reply

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