Sugared Cranberries – Sweet, Sparkling & Festive

Sugared cranberries are one of those small, magical touches that transform a simple dessert into something festive, elegant, and irresistible. Perfect for the holiday season or any celebration, these tiny gems sparkle with sugar while keeping the natural tartness of cranberries intact.

Not only are they beautiful as a garnish for cakes, cupcakes, or cocktails, but they also make perfect edible gifts. The combination of tart and sweet is simple yet sophisticated, and surprisingly easy to create at home.

These sugared cranberries are crisp, sweet, and slightly tart, creating a delightful bite. With just a few ingredients—fresh cranberries, sugar, and water—you can make a stunning garnish in under an hour.

Perfect for holiday platters, cocktail glasses, or as a decorative topping, these cranberries add sparkle and flavor wherever they appear.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick, easy, and visually stunning
• Sweet-tart flavor that balances desserts and drinks
• Works as edible decoration or gift
• Keeps well for up to 2 weeks
• Gluten-free and naturally vegan
• Fun, simple, and festive

INGREDIENTS

• Fresh cranberries
• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Optional: extra sugar for coating
• Optional: zest of orange or lemon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Rinse cranberries and remove any stems or damaged berries.
2. In a saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves to make a simple syrup.
3. Add cranberries to the syrup and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
4. Remove cranberries with a slotted spoon and place on parchment paper.
5. Roll cranberries in extra sugar to coat.
6. Let cranberries dry completely, about 1–2 hours at room temperature.
7. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Optional Flavor Variations

• Add orange or lemon zest to syrup for citrus flavor
• Sprinkle with cinnamon or ginger for warm spice
• Dip in melted chocolate for extra indulgence
• Use as a topping on cheesecakes, tarts, or pavlovas

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
• Can be made several days in advance
• Keep dry to maintain sugar coating
• Ideal for decorating holiday desserts ahead of time

Sugared Cranberries

Crisp, sweet, and tart sugared cranberries, perfect for holiday decorations, desserts, and festive garnishes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Servings: 2 cups

Course: Dessert, Garnish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 60

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Slotted spoon
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Rinse cranberries and remove any stems or damaged berries.
2. Heat water and sugar to make simple syrup.
3. Simmer cranberries in syrup 1–2 minutes.
4. Remove cranberries and place on parchment.
5. Roll cranberries in extra sugar.
6. Let cranberries dry completely before storing.

Notes

For extra sparkle, refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.