If you liked this recipe, you’ll love my free 5-Ingredient Dinner Challenge.

I’ll send you super simple meals that use just five ingredients and come together fast — perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to overthink dinner.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
sugared cranberries in ramekin

Sugared Cranberries


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Melissa Riker
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

This show-stopping Sugared Cranberries with this easy recipe turns ordinary cranberries into sparkling holiday magic. With just a simple syrup bath and a sugar coating, you’ll have beautiful garnishes ready for cakes, cocktails, or cheese boards in less than two hours.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided into 1/2 cup portions
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup sugar with ½ cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes.
  2. Add fresh cranberries to the cooled syrup and stir gently to ensure each berry is evenly coated. Allow them to sit in the syrup for roughly 10 minutes.
  3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries from the syrup, letting any extra syrup drip off. Arrange them in a single layer on a wire rack or parchment-lined surface to prevent sticking. Let them dry for about an hour; they should feel slightly sticky.
  4. Place the remaining ½ cup of sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each cranberry gently in the sugar until fully coated, creating a frosted, sparkling effect.
  5. Transfer the sugared cranberries to a clean baking sheet or plate. Allow them to dry completely for about 30 minutes so the sugar hardens and develops a crunchy texture.
  6. Enjoy as a garnish or snack. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: none
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 317
  • Sugar: 78.9 g
  • Sodium: 3.7 mg
  • Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 83.1 g
  • Fiber: 2.1 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
stuffed pepper casserole on plate with casserole dish in background

Feeling stressed about what to make for dinner every night?

Get my Stress-Free Dinners series plus simple recipes to make weeknights smoother starting tonight.

Close the CTA