Description
Sugared cranberries are a festive, easy-to-make holiday treat that combine fresh cranberries with a sparkling sugar coating. Perfect for adding a pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor to holiday cocktails, desserts, or as a decorative garnish. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and takes only about 15 minutes to prepare, making it an effortless yet elegant addition to your seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup is clear. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly.
- Coat cranberries in syrup: Place the fresh cranberries in a bowl and pour the warm simple syrup over them. Stir gently to ensure all cranberries are evenly coated with the syrup.
- Sugar coating: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cranberries one by one from the syrup and roll them in a bowl of granulated sugar until fully covered. Place the sugared cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Dry the cranberries: Allow the sugared cranberries to dry at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until the sugar coating is set and no longer sticky.
- Serve or store: Use immediately to garnish drinks or desserts, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- You can use superfine or caster sugar for a finer crystal coating.
- Ensure the cranberries are fully dried before storing to prevent stickiness.
- Adjust sugar quantity if you prefer a less sweet or more sugary coating.
- These make beautiful garnishes for cocktails, desserts, and festive platters.
