Festive Sugared Cranberries Recipe: Sparkling Holiday Magic

Festive holiday gatherings spark magic when sugared cranberries recipe takes center stage at dessert tables.

Winter’s tart jewels glisten with sparkling sweetness that delights every guest.

These ruby-red gems offer a stunning contrast against creamy holiday treats.

cranberries transform from ordinary fruit into elegant confections with just a simple sugar coating.

Each crystalline bite delivers a perfect balance of tartness and sugary crunch.

Elegant yet effortless, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping addition to your seasonal spread.

Prepare to dazzle your loved ones with these irresistible sweet-tart morsels.

Steps for Sweet Sparkling Cranberries

Step 1: Sort and Rinse Cranberries

Carefully examine the cranberries, discarding any soft or wrinkled fruits.

Gently wash the berries under cool running water and let them drain completely on a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Create Sugary Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water.

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.

Be careful not to let the liquid reach a boiling point.

Step 3: Immerse Cranberries in Syrup

Remove the syrup from the heat source.

Gently fold the cranberries into the warm syrup, ensuring each berry gets a complete coating.

Let the berries sit in the syrup for a few minutes to absorb the sweetness.

Step 4: Prepare Drying Station

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set up a wire rack on top.

Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the syrup-coated cranberries to the wire rack.

Allow them to air dry for approximately one hour, letting excess syrup drip away.

Step 5: Sparkle with Sugar

Pour the remaining sugar into a shallow dish.

Roll each dried cranberry in the sugar, ensuring a complete and even coating.

The berries should look like they’re covered in delicate, sparkling crystals.

Step 6: Store and Enjoy

Place the sugar-coated cranberries in an airtight container.

Refrigerate and consume within three days for the best flavor and texture.

These sparkling treats are perfect for garnishing desserts, adding to salads, or enjoying as a sweet snack.

Tips for Sweet and Sparkling Cranberries

• Choose plump, firm cranberries without soft spots for the best texture and sweetness.
• Let cranberries dry completely before rolling in sugar to ensure an even, crisp sugar shell.
• Use granulated sugar at room temperature to create a smooth, consistent coating on the berries.
• Adjust sugar amounts to balance the tart cranberry flavor with desired sweetness for different preferences.
• Serve these sparkling cranberries as a festive garnish or sweet-tart snack at holiday gatherings and parties.

Creative Takes on Sparkling Cranberries

• Citrus Sparkle: Replace water with fresh orange or lemon juice in the syrup for a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar to reduce caloric content and create a diabetic-friendly option.
• Spiced Winter Berries: Add cinnamon or ginger to the sugar coating for a warm, seasonal taste that complements the cranberries' tartness.
• Herbal Infusion: Steep fresh rosemary or thyme in the syrup during cooking to introduce subtle herbal undertones to the cranberries.

Serving Sweet Sparkling Cranberries

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange sparkling cranberries on a decorative wooden board with soft cheeses, crackers, and sprigs of rosemary for an elegant holiday appetizer.
• Dessert Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle these sweet-tart gems over cheesecake, chocolate mousse, or vanilla ice cream to add a stunning burst of color and tangy crunch.
• Cocktail Companion: Drop a few sparkling cranberries into champagne flutes or festive cocktails as a beautiful, edible decoration that doubles as a delightful boozy treat.
• Winter Salad Sparkle: Scatter these sugared berries over mixed green salads with goat cheese and candied pecans for a festive and vibrant winter side dish.

Storage Advice for Sparkling Cranberries

• Store sweet sparkling cranberries in an airtight container for maximum freshness, keeping them crisp and sugary for up to 3 days.
• Layer cranberries between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate sugar coating when storing in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled cranberries to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, where they'll stay delicious for up to 2 months without losing their sparkly texture.
• Check stored cranberries periodically for moisture buildup, and if condensation appears, briefly leave the container open to prevent sugar from dissolving.

FAQs

• Are these cranberries sweet or tart?

These sparkling cranberries are sweet with a hint of tartness. The sugar coating transforms the naturally sour cranberries into a delightful treat that balances sweetness and traditional cranberry flavor.

• Can I use different types of sugar?

Yes, you can experiment with granulated white sugar, fine sugar, or even raw sugar. Each type will give a slightly different texture and appearance to the sparkling cranberries.

• Are these cranberries good for holiday desserts?

Absolutely! These sparkling cranberries make excellent garnishes for holiday desserts, cocktails, cheese boards, and can be used as festive decorative elements for cakes and cupcakes.

Sweet Sparkling Cranberries Highlights

• Sparkle with Simplicity: Super easy recipe that even beginner cooks can master without stress.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you'll spend less time preparing and more time enjoying these delightful treats.
• Festive Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or as a stunning garnish that will impress guests with its sophisticated sparkle.
• Versatile Sweet-Tart Snack: Enjoy as a standalone treat, sprinkle over desserts, or use as a festive decoration that adds a burst of color and tangy sweetness to any dish.

Sparkling Cranberries Ingredient List

• Cranberries: Fresh berries with a tart flavor that provide the core base for this sweet and sparkling treat.

• Granulated Sugar, Remaining Sugar: Sweetens the cranberries and creates a sparkling, crystalized coating that adds crunch and sweetness.

• Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create a light syrup for coating the cranberries evenly.

Sugared Cranberries Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Seasonal magic sparkles with these Sugared Cranberries, a festive treat that dances between tart and sweet. Winter gatherings become special when these glistening gems grace your dessert table, inviting guests to savor pure holiday charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 ounces / 340 grams) fresh cranberries

Sweeteners:

• 2 cups granulated sugar

Liquid:

• 1/2 cup water

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Instructions

1. Meticulously inspect cranberries, discarding any blemished or soft fruits. Thoroughly cleanse and drain the berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Gently stir until sugar completely dissolves, avoiding boiling.
3. Remove syrup from heat and delicately fold cranberries into the liquid, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Prepare a wire rack positioned over a paper-lined baking sheet. Using a slotted spoon, transfer syrup-coated berries to the rack, allowing them to air-dry for approximately 60 minutes.
5. Once dried, gently roll each cranberry in the remaining sugar, creating a complete crystalline coating.
6. Transfer the sparkling cranberries to an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Notes

• Sift through cranberries carefully, picking out any bruised or mushy fruits to ensure only the best make it into your sparkling treat.
• Create a light syrup by gently heating sugar and water, stirring until completely dissolved to prevent crystallization and achieve a smooth coating.
• Allow cranberries to air-dry completely before sugar coating, which helps the sugar adhere better and creates a delightful crisp exterior.
• Try alternative sugars like coconut sugar or maple sugar for unique flavor profiles and to accommodate different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg