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How to Make Easy Sugared Cranberries Recipe

Easy Sugared Cranberries

Fresh cranberries are soaked in a simple sugar syrup, coated in granulated sugar, and dried until sparkling and crisp. This festive garnish makes about 2 cups and is ready in roughly 2 hours 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sugar Syrup
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Water
Cranberries
  • 12 ounces Fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
Coating
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the syrup just begins to simmer, taking care not to boil it vigorously.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and cool the syrup for 5–10 minutes. It should be warm but not hot before the cranberries are added.
  3. Add the fresh cranberries and gently stir to coat. Transfer everything to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
  4. Lift the cranberries from the syrup with a slotted spoon and drain them thoroughly. Reserve the syrup for cocktails, sauces, or tea if desired.
  5. Spread the remaining 1 cup sugar in a shallow dish or rimmed plate. Roll the damp cranberries through the sugar until each berry is evenly coated.
  6. Arrange the sugared cranberries in a single layer on parchment paper or a wire rack. Let them dry uncovered for 1–2 hours, or until the coating feels firm.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries for the best shape and texture. Let the syrup cool before soaking, drain the berries thoroughly, and allow extra drying time if the coating remains sticky. Optional overnight drying can create a firmer sugar shell.