Sugared Cranberries Recipe to Make Your Holiday Table Shine

Last Updated on December 25, 2025 by Kenza

I still remember the first time I made these—standing in my tiny New York apartment kitchen, snow falling outside the window, holiday music playing in the background. I was prepping a simple white cake for a Friendsgiving dinner and needed something festive to decorate the top. A quick Pinterest scroll later, I stumbled on sugared cranberries. The moment I saw those sparkling little berries, I had to try making them—and I’ve been obsessed ever since.

If you’ve never tried a sugared cranberries recipe before, you’re in for a treat. These aren’t just pretty—they’re tart, sweet, slightly crunchy, and honestly kind of addictive. Plus, they’re made with only two ingredients (yes, seriously), and they’re surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re topping cakes, garnishing cocktails, or just snacking straight from the bowl, they add a magical sparkle to anything they touch.

The flavor? Imagine a burst of tart cranberry with a crackly sugar shell that melts in your mouth. It’s like nature’s version of candy, but way more elegant. Best part? They take almost no time to make and can be prepped ahead for parties, holiday gifts, or just because you want something pretty in your fridge.

Why I Love This Sugared Cranberries Trick (And You Will Too!)

Once you try this sugared cranberries recipe, it’s hard not to keep making them. Whether you’re a baker, a party host, or just someone who appreciates a quick kitchen win, these little gems will become your holiday go-to.

Here’s what makes this recipe truly special:

• Only two ingredients needed. You just need fresh cranberries and sugar. That’s it. Okay, plus water if we’re being technical.
• They look like frosty jewels. Honestly, they’re like edible Christmas ornaments. Instant elegance.
• Totally versatile. Use them on top of cakes, cupcakes, cheese boards, or float them in punch and mocktails like this non-alcoholic Thanksgiving punch.
• Tart, sweet, and crunchy. That sugar shell gives you the perfect crackle when you bite in, followed by a zingy cranberry punch.
• Easy to customize. Want a twist of citrus? Use orange syrup. Want a spiced version? Add cinnamon or clove to the syrup. Endless options.

Dietary Flexibility

• Vegan? Absolutely. This recipe is naturally vegan since it’s just fruit and sugar.
• Gluten-free? Yup, 100%. Just be sure your sugar is processed in a gluten-free facility if you’re super sensitive.
• Low sugar? You can reduce the sugar coating slightly, but keep in mind the sparkle and texture depend on it.

How To Make Sugared Cranberries

Sugared Cranberries Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Snacks, DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

86

kcal

This simple and stunning sugared cranberries recipe uses just two ingredients to create a sweet-tart snack or show-stopping garnish. Perfect for the holidays!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 cup granulated sugar (plus ½ cup more for rolling)

• 1 cup water

Directions

• Start by making a simple syrup. Just combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and gently heat it over medium-low heat. Stir it occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. You don’t want to boil it—just let it warm enough to blend smoothly.
• Now remove the pan from the heat and stir in your cranberries. Make sure they’re clean and dry. Give them a gentle stir so they’re fully coated in that syrupy goodness. Let them sit in the syrup for about 5 to 10 minutes—this helps them absorb that initial sweetness.
• Next, lift the cranberries out of the syrup with a slotted spoon or small strainer and transfer them to a wire rack. Set the rack over a lined baking sheet to catch drips. Let them dry for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, until they feel tacky (not wet).
• Now comes the magic: roll those sticky berries in sugar. You can do this in batches—just pour some sugar into a shallow bowl and toss a handful of cranberries at a time until they’re sparkling. Place them back on the rack to finish drying for another hour or so.

Notes

• Drying time is key—if you rush it, the sugar may dissolve or clump.
• For a frosty look, use superfine sugar (or pulse regular sugar in a food processor).
• Want citrus flavor? Add orange zest to the syrup!
• These cranberries are best within 2–3 days for peak texture.
• Use leftover syrup in cocktails or to sweeten tea!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 86kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 21g
• Protein: 0g

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Let’s Talk Tips: How to Get the Perfect Sparkle Every Time

I’ve made these cranberries dozens of times, and every time I pick up a few little tricks. Here’s what I’ve learned for flawless results:

• Let them dry slightly before rolling. After soaking in the syrup, give them a bit of time to get tacky (not soaked), so the sugar sticks in a nice even layer.
• Use superfine sugar for the outer coat. Regular granulated sugar works, but superfine gives you that snowy look. You can blitz regular sugar in a food processor for 30 seconds to make your own.
• Don’t skip the cooling rack. Drying the cranberries on parchment makes them stick. Use a wire rack for clean results.
• Make extra. Trust me, these disappear fast. Between snacking and decorating, you’ll wish you made a double batch.
• Store in a dry, cool place. Moisture is the enemy of sparkle. A paper towel-lined container in the fridge is perfect.

Variations to Try if You Want to Mix It Up

Once you master the classic sugared cranberries recipe, it’s fun to play with flavor and presentation. Here are a few of my favorite riffs:

1. Orange-Infused Sugared Cranberries

Simmer a strip of orange zest in your syrup. The citrus aroma makes these pair beautifully with muffins like these cranberry orange muffins.

2. Spiced Holiday Cranberries

Add a cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, and a star anise to your syrup for a mulled wine kind of vibe. Perfect for cheeseboards or savory pairings.

3. Vanilla Sugar Cranberries

Stir in a dash of vanilla extract after removing the syrup from heat. Let the cranberries soak it up for a subtle, creamy twist.

4. Rosé-Soaked Cranberries

Soak the cranberries in rosé syrup (just swap half the water for rosé wine). The flavor is grown-up and great for cocktail garnishes.

5. Maple-Sugar Coated Cranberries

Use maple syrup instead of simple syrup and toss with maple sugar for a rustic twist. It adds a woodsy, warm flavor that’s amazing with breakfast dishes or even cranberry muffins.

How to Serve These Sparkly Gems

Honestly, the serving possibilities are endless. These cranberries are beautiful on their own, but here are some creative ways to use them:

• Top your holiday cakes or cupcakes with a snowy pile of cranberries for instant glam.
• Skewer them on toothpicks and pop them into a festive drink like this Thanksgiving punch or mocktail spritzers.
• Add them to cheese boards for a pop of color and tartness to balance rich cheeses.
• Garnish savory dishes like roasted meats or holiday sides, such as stuffed acorn squash, for contrast and brightness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Well, there’s not really any reheating here—but storage matters! Once your cranberries are dry and sugared:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay sparkly and crunchy for up to 4–5 days.
• Layer with parchment or paper towel to keep them from getting sticky.
• Avoid humidity. If they start to look weepy, toss in a bit more sugar and let them dry again.

Creative Uses for Leftover Sugared Cranberries

You probably won’t have many left, but if you do…

• Stir into yogurt or oatmeal for a fancy breakfast.
• Chop and mix into scones or muffin batter for a sweet-tart surprise.
• Use as a salad topper with goat cheese and arugula.
• Add to trail mix or granola for a festive crunch

FAQs About Sugared Cranberries

Wrapping It Up

I hope you give this sugared cranberries recipe a try—it’s a tiny touch that adds so much sparkle to your holiday season. Whether you’re dressing up your favorite dessert, garnishing your Thanksgiving punch, or just enjoying a tart-sweet snack by the fire, these little frosted beauties never disappoint.

If you’re looking for more cozy seasonal recipes, you might also love these cranberry muffins or this stuffed acorn squash—perfect pairings for your festive table.

Tried the recipe? Tag me in your creations—I LOVE seeing what you all make! Happy holidays and happy sparkling!