Sugared Cranberries Recipe

No holiday spread would be complete without cranberries, and this recipe pairs sweet sugar with tart berries for something beautiful, unique, and extraordinary. 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. 

What are Sugared Cranberries?

Cranberries are a superfood that comes into season during the winter months. Packing tons of fantastic nutrients and antioxidants, these little powerhouses are not only delicious, but they’re also really good for you! Cranberries have a tart, and tangy flavor. When coated in sugar, you’ll enjoy a symphony of sweet and tart that will keep you licking your fingers and coming back for more. 

What’s 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. 

What Should I Serve with Sugared Cranberries?

One thing I love about making sugared cranberries is that it’s practically effortless but goes a long way in making all of your holiday dishes even better. They can complement just about anything, and their simplistic beauty will dazzle and impress your dinner guests without requiring you to go to too much trouble. I enjoy pairing sugared cranberries with holiday stuffing, turkey dishes, and even vegetable sides. They’re also the perfect garnish for the top of my Orange Cranberry Bundt cake and can serve as a lovely garnish for cranberry salad or dressing. This recipe is so versatile, so have fun with it! 

What are Some Expert Tips for Making Sugared Cranberries? 

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 Should I Do with the Leftover Sauce?

Make sure to introduce cranberries to the sauce for only a brief period of time before removing to dry. You will have a good amount of delicious orange sauce. It would be a shame to let that go to waste! If you decide to make a Cranberry Orange Bundt cake or a similar recipe, you can use the sauce to whip up a spectacular glaze that’s sure to delight everyone gathered around the table.

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.