Sparkly Cranberries

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

These cranberries shine like little gems! Takes 30 minutes plus drying. Sugar syrup makes the sugary coating stick just right. Lovely on cakes or as a sweet snack. Made them for a holiday treat, and they were a hit with everyone. Sweet and tart, they look stunning!
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Updated on Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:11:31 GMT
Close-up of red cranberries glittering with sugar coat. Pin it
Close-up of red cranberries glittering with sugar coat. | tasteofmoms.com

I wanna tell you about my sugared cranberry technique that brings this amazing twinkle to Christmas desserts. I've finally cracked the code for getting that perfect crystal sugar coating that makes the berries shine like little gems. They catch the light so beautifully on desserts or in drinks and instantly make everything feel more festive.

Festive Wonder

The best thing about these sugared cranberries is how they work with everything and look so darn pretty. They can turn an ordinary dessert into something truly special and bring a touch of class to your holiday table. People always stop and ask me about them when they see that sugar shimmer in the light.

Your Ingredients

  • Water: Nothing fancy needed here.
  • Cranberries: Don't use frozen ones, stick with fresh.
  • Sugar: The finer granulated type works best.

Crafting Your Treats

Add Some Sparkle
Roll them in sugar for that crystal finish.
Time to Dry
Let them sit patiently to set up right.
Bathe the Berries
Give them a nice sweet sugar soak.
Start Your Syrup
Make sure all that sugar melts completely.

Winning Tips

Getting sugared cranberries just right comes down to good timing and the right heat. You can't rush that first syrup soak and you gotta let them dry properly to get that beautiful crystal coating. Don't forget that fresh berries really make all the difference in how they turn out.

Ways To Enjoy

You can do so much with these sugared cranberries. I like to scatter them over holiday baking, drop them in fancy drinks, or just eat them as a sweet-sour treat. They're at their absolute best when you serve them the same day you make them, while that sugar coating is still perfectly crisp.

A close-up image of a bowl filled with fresh, glistening red cranberries coated in a light layer of frost or sugar. Pin it
A close-up image of a bowl filled with fresh, glistening red cranberries coated in a light layer of frost or sugar. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does hot syrup do to cranberries?
It makes them sticky so the sugar stays on without falling off.
→ Why use a wire rack to dry them?
It lets air move all around, so they dry out evenly and stay firm.
→ Can I substitute frozen cranberries?
Fresh ones are better since frozen cranberries get squishy when thawed.
→ How long can they be stored?
Keep them in a cool, dry container, and they're good for a few days.
→ Why use a slotted spoon for this?
It helps get rid of extra syrup so the sugar doesn't turn soupy.

Sparkly Cranberries

Bright cranberries dipped in sugar syrup and coated in sparkly sugar. Great for decorating desserts or adding flair to holiday dishes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (2 cups)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups of fresh cranberries.
02 1/2 cup of water.
03 1 cup sugar, split into two parts.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine 1/2 cup each of sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Heat gently and stir until the sugar melts completely. Let it boil softly for a minute, then take it off the burner.

Step 02

Stir cranberries into the warm syrup. Let them soak for about 5 minutes while stirring a few times.

Step 03

Strain the cranberries to remove the syrup, then spread them out evenly on a baking pan covered with parchment paper.

Step 04

Gently toss the cranberries with the remaining half-cup of sugar to make sure they're all coated.

Step 05

Place the sugared cranberries on a wire rack and leave them to air dry for about an hour.

Notes

  1. Great for adding a festive touch to your treats.
  2. You only need three main things to make this.
  3. Always stick with fresh cranberries, not the frozen ones.

Tools You'll Need

  • A medium-sized pot.
  • A cookie sheet.
  • Cooling rack.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: ~