Description
Sugared Cranberries are vibrant, tart fresh cranberries coated with a sweet sugar shell, perfect for holiday garnishes, cocktails, or a sweet snack. This simple recipe involves soaking cranberries in a sugar syrup, then coating them with granulated sugar and allowing them to dry for a crunchy, sparkling finish.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Syrup:
- 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
For Coating:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (100 grams)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare Sugar Syrup: Place the water and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat gently until the sugar has fully dissolved into the water, then turn off the heat to stop further cooking.
- Soak Cranberries: Set a baking sheet lined with a wire rack nearby. Add the fresh cranberries to the warm sugar syrup in two batches, adding 1/2 cup at a time. Stir gently to combine and let each batch soak for about 1 minute.
- Drain Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, remove the soaked cranberries from the syrup and place them evenly spaced on the wire rack atop the baking sheet to avoid crowding. Repeat for the second batch.
- Air Dry Cranberries: Let the cranberries sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow the syrup to set and become tacky.
- Coat with Sugar: Place the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the tacky cranberries in the sugar in small batches to coat each cranberry evenly with sugar crystals.
- Final Drying: Transfer the sugared cranberries back to the baking sheet in a single layer. Let them dry at room temperature for another hour to harden the sugar coating.
- Store: Once dry, place the sugared cranberries in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to a few days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to space cranberries evenly on the wire rack to prevent sticking as they dry.
- You can use sugared cranberries immediately or store them for use as a festive garnish on desserts or cocktails.
- Handle cranberries gently during coating to keep the sugar coating intact.
- Using freshly picked or high-quality cranberries ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
