Sugared Cranberries
So easy and and so beautiful, sugared cranberries make the perfect Holiday garnish or snack. With only 3 ingredients, you’ll love making these sparkly treats!
Sugared cranberries are such an easy way to dress up any Holiday dessert. They add a pop of color and sparkle, and are such a festive treat to make around the Holidays! Whenever I make sugared cranberries, I also make sugared rosemary twigs too – they look like branches of a pine tree that have been dusted with snow!
Use sugared cranberries to garnish your favorite Holiday desserts like my Cinnamon Roll Wreath, Apple Crumble pie, Spiced Gingerbread Cake Loaf, or Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls. You could also add them too your gingerbread house! Grab my Gingerbread House Template and Recipe to get started!
Best of all, you’ll love how incredibly easy it is to make these sugared cranberries!
Ingredients
The ingredient list couldn’t be simpler. All you’ll need is equal parts sugar and water. Plus you’ll need fresh cranberries – fresh not frozen work best here. Add fresh rosemary twigs to your list too if you like. Cut them into 2 to 3-inch pieces. They’re so pretty – they look like snow covered pine trees!
Equipment
Just like the ingredients, the equipment needed is very simple too. You’ll need a saucepan, wire whisk, a baking sheet, parchment paper and a slotted spoon.
How to make sugared cranberries
The process is super simple and requires little effort.
Step 1: Make a simple syrup. In a medium saucepan, whisk together equal parts water and sugar over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and just starts to simmer. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 2: Toss the cranberries in the simple syrup. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Roll the cranberries in the sugar until well coated. Place them onto a wire cooling rack to dry for at least one hour. Be sure to place a piece of parchment paper under the cooling rack for easier cleanup.
And that’s it! After an hour of dry time, the sugar will harden and the cranberries can be easily handled and used as a garnish or a sweet snack.
Remember, you can also use this same process for rosemary twigs. They look so beautiful and festive, just like frosted pine needles. I love adding them to my Kransekake Wreath Cake. You’ll love the sparkly addition these make to your Holiday celebrations!
Garnish these recipes with sugared cranberries
Christmas Morning Cinnamon Roll Wreath
Christmas Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting
Share and follow along!
I love to see how you are enjoying my recipes! Please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you! Follow me on Instagram @thatbreadlady, Facebook and YouTube for more baking tips and videos! Be sure to tag me #thatbreadlady when you try one of my recipes. I’d love to see your baking successes!
Sugared Cranberries
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the water and 1/2 cup (100g) sugar. Bring to a low simmer and stir constantly as the sugar dissolves. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Toss the cranberries in the simple syrup. Remove with a slotted spoon and spread over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow to dry uncovered for one hour. The cranberries will remain sticky.
- Pour the remaining 1/2 cup (100g) sugar into a small bowl. Working in batches, toss the cranberries in the sugar, coating them entirely. Place them on a wire cooling rack to dry for one hour. For easier clean up, place a piece of parchment underneath the cooling rack to catch any excess sugar.
- Store lightly covered for about 3-4 days. If they start to get wet or sticky, toss them in more sugar to refresh them.
Notes
- Use the same method with rosemary twigs. They look so beautiful – like frosted pine twigs!
- Do not use frozen cranberries – they will be too soft to coat when thawed.
- Do not freeze sugared cranberries – they will get wet and sticky as they thaw.
- Check blog post for suggested recipes to garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary.
- You will have leftover simple syrup and sugar. You can make up to 3 and 1/2 cups cranberries with this recipe.
