Sugared Cranberries are a delightful way to add sparkle to your holiday treats. With their tangy core wrapped in a sweet, frosted coating, these candied cranberries are as tasty as they are visually stunning. Perfect for decorating cakes, pies, and even savory dishes, they’re a versatile addition to any festive menu.
Not only are they simple to make, but they also transform any dessert or dish into a centerpiece of your holiday table. Whether you’re using them as a garnish, snack, or festive decoration, these sugared cranberries are sure to impress guests with their balance of sweetness and tartness.
Full Recipe:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 3 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to a boil and let simmer on low heat for 3 minutes, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- Stir in the cranberries, ensuring they are fully coated in the syrup, then remove from heat and stir for an additional minute.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a wire rack. Allow them to dry for 1 hour.
- Roll the cranberries in the remaining 1 cup of sugar until they are evenly coated.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Resting Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 108 kcal | Servings: 12 (makes about 3 cups)
The Allure of Sugared Cranberries for the Holidays
Sugared cranberries are a quintessential holiday treat that combines simplicity with elegance. These vibrant, frosted berries are not only visually stunning but also provide a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. Whether you’re planning a festive feast or looking for the perfect edible garnish, sugared cranberries are a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.
Why Sugared Cranberries Are Perfect for the Holidays
Sugared cranberries are a must-have during the festive season, and for good reason. Their bright, jewel-like appearance adds a sophisticated touch to any dish. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they offer a refreshing flavor profile that complements both sweet and savory dishes. Whether used as a garnish for cakes and pies or as a snack on their own, these candied treats bring a festive sparkle to your table.
Their versatility extends to their pairing potential. Sugared cranberries can elevate the look and taste of everything from a holiday ham platter to a batch of freshly baked cupcakes. The delicate sugar coating provides a frosty effect that perfectly aligns with the winter holiday theme, making them a favorite choice for Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations.
How Sugared Cranberries Add Value to Your Dishes
One of the most exciting aspects of sugared cranberries is their ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. Add them to a simple vanilla cake, and you instantly have a dessert fit for a celebration. Place them on top of a pumpkin pie, and the contrast of vibrant red against warm orange makes for a visually arresting centerpiece.
In addition to their visual appeal, these berries contribute a burst of flavor. The sugar coating tempers the tartness of the cranberries, creating a unique sweet-tart balance. This combination pairs beautifully with creamy desserts like cheesecakes, as well as citrus-based confections such as lemon tarts.
Versatility Beyond Desserts
Sugared cranberries are not just for sweets; they can also be incorporated into savory dishes. Their tart and sweet profile makes them an excellent accompaniment to rich meats like roasted turkey or glazed ham. You can scatter them on a charcuterie board to add a pop of color and a refreshing burst of flavor.
For drinks, sugared cranberries make a delightful garnish for holiday cocktails or mocktails. Imagine them perched on the rim of a glass of cranberry punch or floating atop a sparkling water infused with rosemary. They’re also a fantastic addition to champagne flutes, where they enhance both the look and taste of the beverage.
Easy to Make Yet Impressively Elegant
One of the best things about sugared cranberries is how simple they are to make. Despite their fancy appearance, they require only a few ingredients and minimal effort. This makes them an excellent choice for busy holiday hosts who want to impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With a basic syrup and a sugar coating, you can create these frosty delights in no time.
Their ease of preparation also makes sugared cranberries a fun project to do with kids. Little hands will love rolling the sticky berries in sugar, and the end result is a treat that everyone can be proud of. Plus, the process of making them fills your kitchen with a delightful holiday aroma.
Storage and Longevity
Sugared cranberries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a short period. If kept in a cool, dry place, they retain their frosty appearance and flavor for up to two days. For those planning ahead, the berries can be made a day or two before a party and added to desserts or platters just before serving. If they begin to lose their sparkle, a quick re-roll in sugar can refresh their look.
Creative Uses for Sugared Cranberries
- Dessert Garnishes: Scatter them over cakes, cupcakes, or tarts for a festive finish.
- Snack Platters: Add them to a cheese or charcuterie board for a pop of color and flavor.
- Cocktail Enhancements: Use them as garnishes for cocktails, mocktails, or sparkling beverages.
- Savory Decorations: Arrange them around roasted meats or as part of a holiday table centerpiece.
- Edible Gifts: Pack them in decorative jars as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
The Nutritional Aspect of Sugared Cranberries
While sugared cranberries are a treat, they’re made with fresh cranberries, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Cranberries are known for their health benefits, particularly in promoting urinary tract health and reducing inflammation. The sugar coating does add calories, but as part of a balanced holiday diet, these treats can be enjoyed guilt-free.
Tips for Success When Making Sugared Cranberries
- Start with Dry Cranberries: Ensure your cranberries are thoroughly dried after rinsing. This helps the syrup adhere better.
- Simmer the Syrup Properly: Allow the sugar to fully dissolve in the water to create a smooth syrup for coating.
- Don’t Overcook the Berries: Remove the cranberries before they burst, as this helps maintain their plump shape.
- Use a Slotted Spoon: This ensures you don’t transfer excess syrup to the drying tray.
- Re-roll if Necessary: If the sugar starts to dissolve or lose its frosty look, a quick re-roll can bring them back to life.
Conclusion
Sugared cranberries are a simple yet stunning way to elevate your holiday dishes. Their sparkling appearance and unique flavor make them a standout addition to any festive spread, from desserts to savory platters and even beverages. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, these candied berries are a testament to how a small touch can make a big impact. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, preparing gifts, or just looking for a fun and festive snack, sugared cranberries are a delightful choice that will impress every time.