Sugared Cranberries Recipe

No holiday spread would be complete without cranberries, and this sugared cranberries recipe pairs sweet sugar with tart berries for something beautiful, unique, and extraordinary. Cranberries are a superfood that comes into season during the winter months, packing tons of fantastic nutrients and antioxidants. Their tart and tangy flavor, when coated in sugar, creates a symphony of sweet and tart that will keep you licking your fingers and coming back for more. The bright red color of the berries contrasted against a thick dusting of sugar creates a festive, snowy feeling that can dress up any dessert or serve as a wintry garnish for your main dish.

The Best Sugar for Cranberries? 

I recommend keeping things simple when making sugared cranberries and sticking with the classics. This means using granulated sugar. The light granules don’t clump together easily. It can be evenly distributed across the surface every cranberry for uniform flavor and appearance. You definitely want to avoid sugars that are brown or other colors. White, granulated sugar will most closely resemble a fresh snowfall and bring forth the holiday season’s joy and light. 

Tips for Making Sugared Cranberries Recipe ? 

Many sugared cranberry recipes claim that you only need two ingredients (cranberries and sugar) to succeed. While you could certainly make a basic batch of berries this way, I recommend taking things to the next level with orange zest. The bold, sweet flavor of orange zest will take your cranberries over the top and create a truly memorable holiday meal. Most other people don’t do this, so your recipe will stand out from the rest. 

What to Pair with Sugared Cranberries

One of the great things about making sugared cranberries is that they effortlessly elevate your holiday dishes. These sweet and tart gems can complement a wide range of flavors and add a touch of elegance to your meal without requiring extensive effort. Here are some delightful pairing ideas:

• Holiday Stuffing: Sugared cranberries can add a burst of festive flavor and a visually stunning garnish to your holiday stuffing. Their sweet-tartness contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of stuffing.
• Turkey Dishes: Whether you’re serving roast turkey, turkey breast, or even turkey sandwiches, sugared cranberries make for a delightful side. They add a burst of color and a pop of flavor that complements the turkey’s richness.
• Vegetable Sides: Don’t limit sugared cranberries to meat dishes. They pair wonderfully with vegetable sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or even green beans. Their vibrant appearance brightens up the plate.
• Desserts: Sugared cranberries are a versatile garnish for desserts. Use them to top your Orange Cranberry Bundt cake or as a lovely finishing touch for cranberry salad. Their sweet-tart flavor and festive appearance make them a favorite for dressing up desserts.
• Cocktail Garnish: Take your holiday cocktails up a notch by adding sugared cranberries as a garnish. They not only look stunning but also infuse a burst of flavor into your drinks.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to get creative and have fun with your culinary pairings. Sugared cranberries are the perfect finishing touch to elevate your holiday dining experience.

How Should I Store Sugared Cranberries?

In my experience, sugared cranberries taste best when they are fresh. If you’re planning to use this recipe for a holiday meal, I strongly recommend whipping them up on the same day. This ensure that the flavor and texture are at their finest. If, when you’re done with your dinner, you’ve got leftover cranberries, you can store them to continue to be enjoyed for the next couple of days. When stored properly in an airtight container, these can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Over time, you’ll probably start to notice the sugar “weeping.” As long as the cranberries themselves are still firm, you can simply coat them in a fresh layer of sugar to revive them.