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Sparkling Sugared Cranberries Recipe

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4.7 from 95 reviews

Sparkling Sugared Cranberries are a festive and delightful treat made by coating fresh cranberries in a simple sugar syrup and then rolling them in granulated sugar to create a sparkling, crunchy crust. Perfect for holiday garnishes, desserts, or snacking, these candied berries bring a sweet-tart pop of flavor with a beautiful crystalized finish.

Ingredients

For the Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) water

For the Cranberries

  • 1 cup (125g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and patted dry
  • Extra granulated sugar, about 1 cup, for coating

Instructions

  1. Make Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool until lukewarm.
  2. Coat Cranberries: Add the rinsed, dried cranberries to the lukewarm syrup. Gently stir ensuring each berry is thoroughly coated without crushing them.
  3. Dry Syrup-Coated Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the coated cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch drips. Let them air dry for 1 to 3 hours until the syrup feels tacky to the touch.
  4. Roll in Sugar: Pour about 1 cup of extra granulated sugar into a shallow dish. Working in small batches, gently roll the tacky cranberries in the sugar until evenly coated with a crystalline sparkle.
  5. Final Drying: Place the sugared cranberries back on a clean wire rack and allow them to dry at room temperature for at least one hour or until the sugar coating feels firm and dry.
  6. Storage: Store the sparkling sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. They are best enjoyed within 24-48 hours for optimal freshness and crunch.

Notes

  • Ensure cranberries are well dried before coating to help syrup adhere better.
  • Use a gentle hand when stirring to avoid crushing the berries.
  • The drying times can vary depending on humidity; make sure sugar coating is firm before storing.
  • These sugared cranberries make a beautiful garnish for cocktails, desserts, or cheese boards.
  • Consume within a few days for best texture and flavor.