3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries

3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries—sparkly, tart, and sweet. A festive, easy garnish or snack perfect for holidays, cocktails, or dessert tables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only Three Ingredients: Simple and accessible—no complicated prep or tools.
• Festive and Elegant: A visually stunning addition to holiday desserts and drinks.
• Perfectly Sweet-Tart: A crunchy sugar shell balances the cranberries’ natural tartness.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for snacking, decorating, or cocktail garnishes.
• Great Make-Ahead Option: Stays fresh and crisp for days.
• Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: Fits a wide range of dietary preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Project: Easy and fun for little helpers to assist with.
• Low-Calorie Treat: Satisfies your sweet tooth with only ~80 kcal per serving.
• Edible Decoration: Beautiful enough to double as table decor.
• Addictive Crunch: The texture is crisp outside and juicy inside.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup water

Directions

1. Rinse the cranberries and set them aside to drain.
2. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves into a simple syrup.
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the cranberries to the syrup and stir gently to coat all the berries. Let them soak for 5–10 minutes.
5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the coated cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them dry at room temperature for 1 hour.
6. Once the cranberries are tacky but no longer wet, roll them in the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until fully coated.
7. Spread them out on a clean surface and let dry for another 30–60 minutes, until the sugar sets and they become crisp and sparkling.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Drying Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Calories Per Serving: ~80 kcal

Variations

• Vanilla-Infused: Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract to the syrup for subtle sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix ground cinnamon with sugar for a holiday spice flavor.
• Citrus Twist: Add a strip of orange or lemon zest to the syrup for added brightness.
• Minty Fresh: Add a sprig of fresh mint to the syrup for a cooling note.
• Sparkling Cranberry Skewers: Thread onto toothpicks or cocktail sticks for drinks.
• Boozy Berries: Soak cranberries in orange liqueur or brandy before sugaring for adult-only treats.
• Colored Sugar: Use tinted sugar for themed events or holidays.
• Maple Sweetened: Use maple syrup instead of simple syrup for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or erythritol for a low-carb version.
• Ginger Glaze: Infuse the syrup with fresh ginger slices for a zesty bite.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days.
• Refrigeration: Not recommended, as moisture may dissolve the sugar coating.
• Freezing: Not ideal, as freezing alters the texture and causes condensation upon thawing.
• Reheating: Not necessary—best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?

No, fresh cranberries are essential. Frozen ones become too soft and weep moisture, ruining the sugar coating.

How Do I Prevent The Sugar From Melting Off?

Let the cranberries dry completely after the syrup soak before rolling in sugar. Humid environments can also affect the coating.

Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?

Yes, they keep well for 2–3 days in a sealed container at room temperature.

Are Sugared Cranberries Edible Or Just Decorative?

They are fully edible—juicy inside with a sweet, crunchy shell.

Can I Use Other Berries?

This method works best with firm, tart berries. Grapes or gooseberries can work, but softer berries may not hold up.

How Do I Use Them As Garnishes?

They look stunning on cakes, cupcakes, cheeseboards, or floating in cocktails and holiday punches.

Is There A Way To Make Them Less Tart?

Let the cranberries soak longer in syrup to mellow the tartness, or add more sugar in the final coating.

Can Kids Help With This Recipe?

Yes! Rolling the tacky cranberries in sugar is a fun and safe task for kids.

Why Is The Sugar Not Sticking To My Cranberries?

Make sure the cranberries are tacky—not too wet or too dry—before rolling in sugar for best adherence.

Can I Use Flavored Sugars?

Absolutely! Infused or flavored sugars (like lavender or citrus sugar) can add a special twist.

Conclusion

These 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are the perfect combination of simplicity, elegance, and flavor. Whether you’re dressing up a dessert, enhancing a cocktail, or just snacking straight from the jar, these sparkling berries add a touch of festive magic to any occasion. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re a must-have for your holiday season or winter entertaining.

More Sweet & Seasonal Holiday Treats

If you loved how simple and sparkly these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are, you’ll want to try our festive Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad for a sweet-savory holiday lunch. Pair your cranberries with a slice of our nostalgic Old-Fashioned Ginger Loaf Cake or add sparkle to dessert time with these Apple Crumble Bars. For creamy indulgence, don’t miss our Boston Cream Croissant Loaf, and keep things fruity with this stunning Peach Pie Ice Cream.

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