Description
Sugared cranberries are a delightful, festive treat perfect for holiday garnishes, cocktail decorations, or a sweet snack. Fresh cranberries are coated in a vanilla-infused simple syrup, then rolled in sugar to create a sparkling, crispy exterior with a tart and juicy interior. This easy 20-minute recipe yields a beautiful and flavorful batch of sugared cranberries that can be stored for up to 48 hours.
Ingredients
Scale
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the simple syrup: In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Coat the cranberries: Remove the saucepan from heat and add 2 cups of fresh cranberries. Toss gently with a wooden spoon to coat the cranberries evenly in the syrup. Let them soak in the syrup for 5 minutes to absorb the sweetness and vanilla flavor.
- Dry the cranberries partially: Transfer the cranberries to a wire rack to drain and allow them to dry for 20-30 minutes, which helps the syrup set slightly on their surface.
- Roll in sugar: Pour a generous amount of granulated sugar into a shallow dish. Roll the partially dried cranberries in the sugar to coat them thoroughly, creating a sparkling layer.
- Final drying: Place the sugared cranberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them dry completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, allowing the sugar coating to harden.
- Storage: Once fully dried, store the sugared cranberries in an airtight container. They will keep fresh and maintain their texture for up to 48 hours.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture and coating adherence.
- Extra granulated sugar can be prepared in advance for coating the cranberries easily.
- If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, you can add more vanilla extract to the simple syrup.
- Store sugared cranberries in a cool, dry place to maintain crispiness.
- These cranberries make a beautiful garnish for desserts, cocktails, or cheese platters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert Garnish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sugared cranberries, candied cranberries, holiday garnish, cranberry recipe, simple syrup, vanilla cranberries
