How to Make Candied Cranberries

Are you looking for a delicious and festive treat to impress your guests during the holiday season? Look no further than sugared cranberries! These delightful candied cranberries strike a perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them an ideal addition to your Christmas desserts. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making sugared cranberries, from preparing the ingredients to enjoying the final results. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and rewarding to make. Let’s dive in and create a simple, healthy snack that will elevate your holiday celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to get started:

• Water: 1/2 cup
• Sugar: 1.5 cups
• Cranberries: 2 cups
• Cooling Rack
• Parchment Paper

Making Sugared Cranberries – A Festive Delight

Step 1: Creating the Simple Syrup

• Begin by giving the cranberries a gentle rinse under cold water. This helps to remove any debris and ensures that they are clean and ready for the sugaring process. Pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen cloth.
• In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. This will create a simple syrup that will coat the cranberries and give them their sugary glaze.

Step 2: Simmering the Cranberries

• Add the cleaned cranberries to the saucepan with the simple syrup. Stir gently to coat the cranberries with the syrup. Allow the cranberries to simmer in the syrup for about 5 minutes. The heat will soften the cranberries and infuse them with the sweet syrup.

Step 3: Cooling and Drying

• Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cranberries from the saucepan to a cooling rack lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out to prevent sticking. Let the cranberries cool for about 20-30 minutes. During this time, the syrup will harden slightly, creating a sugary shell around each cranberry.

Step 4: Sugaring the Cranberries

• After the cranberries have cooled, it’s time to give them their sugared coating. Place a small amount of sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each cranberry in the sugar until it’s evenly coated. The sugar will adhere to the syrup on the cranberries, creating a sparkling and sweet exterior.

Step 5: Final Touches

• Once all the cranberries are coated in sugar, let them sit for another 20-30 minutes on the cooling rack. This allows the sugar to set and create a delightful crunch when you bite into them. Once they’re ready, you can transfer them to a serving dish or use them to garnish your favorite Christmas desserts.

Sugared Cranberries – Simple, Healthy Snack for Christmas – Candied Cranberries this Christmas

FAQs

Are sugared cranberries suitable for any occasion?

Absolutely! While these sugared cranberries are perfect for the festive Christmas season, their sweet and tart flavor makes them a delightful addition to any dessert spread.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Fresh cranberries are recommended for the best results. However, if you can’t find fresh cranberries, you can use frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before starting the process.

How long can I store sugared cranberries?

You can store sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I use this recipe to make other candied fruits?

Absolutely! While cranberries work wonderfully for this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like cherries, blueberries, or even citrus peels.

Can I customize the level of sweetness?

Certainly! If you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the simple syrup or use a mixture of white and brown sugar.

What desserts can I garnish with sugared cranberries?

Sugared cranberries are versatile and can be used to garnish a wide range of desserts, including cakes, cupcakes, tarts, and even cocktails.

Incorporate a touch of elegance and sweetness into your Christmas celebrations with homemade sugared cranberries. This simple recipe allows you to transform tangy cranberries into delightful, sparkling treats that will elevate your dessert spread. Whether you’re impressing your holiday guests or simply indulging in a festive snack, these candied cranberries are sure to delight your taste buds and add a pop of color to your holiday table.