Add Sparkle to Your Holidays with Sugared Cranberries

By Valerie Ernesto in November 24, 2024 » Leave a review

sugared cranberries Made with just 3 ingredients they are an easy way to add a touch of sweetness and brightness to your holiday desserts! Covered with a crunchy sugar coating, they are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Use them to garnish your desserts, as a beautiful garnish for holiday cocktails, or even serve them simply as a sweet snack.

Cranberries are a holiday staple! I use fake ones in my decoration and fresh blueberries in my cooking and baking. This super simple recipe will take your blueberries to the next level. White sugar adds a wonderful shine and adds a beautiful festive touch to your holiday treats and parties. charcuterie boards.

This recipe produces the best results when using fresh blueberries, although you can also use thawed frozen blueberries. Just make sure they come to room temperature first to avoid additional moisture.

3 ingredients for sugared cranberries

This recipe creates a sweet syrup with just two simple ingredients:

• Granulated white sugar
• Water

Don’t forget to buy a bag of fresh blueberries at the supermarket!

Detailed quantities and instructions are in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to make sugared cranberries

1. Prepare: Sort the blueberries and discard any bruised or spoiled ones, then rinse them with cold water.
2. simple syrup: Next, combine 3/4 cup white sugar and 3/4 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove the pan from the heat.
3. Cover the blueberries: Add the cranberries to the saucepan, making sure to completely cover each one with the syrup. Let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cranberries to a wire rack. Spread them out so they don’t touch. Let them dry for approx. 1 hour until no longer wet but still slightly sticky.
4. Sugar the berries: Place the remaining 3/4 cup sugar in a shallow dish. Working in batches, roll the cranberries in the sugar until evenly coated. Finally, let the sugared cranberries dry in a single layer on a clean baking sheet for another hour before serving or using as a garnish.

Tips for covering cranberries with sugar

• The best way to coat cranberries in sugar is to do it in small batches. Place the sticky cranberries in a shallow plate filled with sugar and gently roll them in with a spoon or by tossing the plate. This ensures uniform coverage without lumps.
• Avoid using your hands, as the simple syrup mixture can transfer and cause the sugar to become sticky or cakey.
• Spread the coated cranberries on a baking sheet to dry completely before serving or storing.
• Sticky sugar is usually due to excess syrup transferring from the cranberries, so make sure the cranberries are just a little sticky before rolling and working in small batches. If the sugar becomes too lumpy or sticky while coating the cranberries, you can sift it through a fine mesh strainer to break up any clumps and refresh it. This will ensure that the sugar remains dry and easy to work with. If the problem persists, replace the sugar completely with fresh, dry sugar.

Frequently asked questions

How should I store sugared cranberries?

Store sparkling cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. It is best to store blueberries in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight. Don’t put them in the refrigerator, as refrigerating them can cause the sugar coating to melt.

Can I freeze sugared cranberries for cocktails?

Don’t freeze! Sugar-coated cranberries don’t hold up well.

Can I use different types of sugar for the coating?

Yes, superfine sugar works well for a thinner coating; coarse sugar adds more texture and shine.

Can I add flavor to the syrup?

Yes, you can add vanilla, lemon or orange zest, or spices like cinnamon or cloves to the syrup for more flavor.

Why didn’t the sugar stick to me?

The cranberries may have dried too long after the syrup coating. They should still feel sticky when you roll them in the sweet sugar coating.

Can I reuse sugar syrup?

Absolutely! You can use it to sweeten drinks, cocktails or even drizzle desserts. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Suggestions for using sugared cranberry topping

• This Orange Spice Cake It has a blueberry-raspberry filling and vanilla frosting. Top it with sugared cranberries for an elegant presentation!
• Can you imagine sugared cranberries on top of these? Cranberry Orange Dream Bars? This fun Christmas dessert will be spectacular with those candied cranberries on top.
• Finish off that easy Blueberry Coffee Cake or my buttery Homemade cake With sugared cranberries and whipped cream for a delicious treat!
• This Winter Cosmopolitan is a festive cocktail made with vodka, lime juice, and apple-cranberry juice. Use the cranberry simple syrup in this recipe instead of the rosemary simple syrup called for in the recipe, and garnish with a sugared cranberry toothpick! You can also place them in a wine glass for a special touch!
• Christmas cheese ball: Two types of cheese are blended with tangy dried cranberries, chopped fragrant rosemary, and walnut pieces, then rolled with even more cranberries, walnuts, and parsley for a colorful, festive starter. Sugared cranberries would be a perfect garnish for your cheese boards!
• Dress up a pumpkin dessert like pumpkin pie or my No-Bake Pumpkin and Nutella Cheesecake. I love the vibrant color of dull brown desserts.
• Dress up a cinnamon wreath or yule log with sugared cranberries!
• Add these little gems to your breakfast, like waffles or French Toast Casserole with Almonds and Berries.

How will you use your sugared cranberry garnish this holiday season?

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