Sugared Cranberries

If you were stranded on a desert island, sugared cranberries wouldn’t be on your wish list, right? They serve no actual practical purpose. But where’s the fun in living your life thinking like a marooned sailor? Some things are just for fun—and sparkling cranberries are one such thing.

These tiny, ruby-red edible disco balls are incredibly simple to make, yet they add remarkable flair to anything they rest upon, from desserts to drinks and more!

Learn how to make sugared cranberries, and you'll suddenly find plenty of delicious, creative ways to use them.

Ingredients for Sugared Cranberries

To make sugared cranberries, you'll need just three ingredients:

• Pure maple syrup: Sweetens and adds an earthy, caramel-like flavor to the cranberries.
• Fresh cranberries: The star of the show—the tartness of fresh cranberries is balanced by the sweetness of the maple syrup and sugary coating.
• Granulated or sparkling sugar: For a crunchy, frosty finish on the cranberries. Sparkling sugar has a more coarse texture than granulated.

Can you use frozen cranberries for sugared cranberries?

While fresh cranberries will yield the best presentation, you can also use frozen cranberries for sugared cranberries, particularly if making them when cranberries are out of season. Thaw the frozen cranberries for a few minutes under cold running water, then pat dry. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Note that frozen cranberries, once thawed, may have a softer or more wrinkled texture than their fresh counterparts.

How To Make Sugared Cranberries

You won’t believe how easy it is to make these cuties. Simply heat up some maple syrup, stir in some cranberries, and let them sit for at least 8 and up to 24 hours. Next, let them drain (reserve that syrup for cocktails or pancakes, please), roll them in sparkling sugar, and let them dry for a few hours. That’s it, folks!

Variations for Sugared Cranberries

To give these sweet and tart cranberries a unique twist, consider these variations:

• Add spice: Infuse the maple syrup with cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, star anise, cloves, or any other spices as desired.
• Add citrus: Add citrus peel or zest into the maple syrup, or rub into the coating sugar for a citrusy scent.
• Add aromatics: Infuse the maple syrup or coating sugar with rose petals, dried lavender, vanilla beans, and more.
• Add liquor: Add a splash of Grand Marnier, bourbon, or other preferred spirits to the maple syrup for a boozy kick.
• Swap the maple: If you aren't a fan of maple syrup, swap with simple syrup, or honey or agave thinned with water for a flavorful twist.

Ways To Use Sugared Cranberries

Use sugared cranberries to make things more awesome. The technical term is "more aesthetically pleasing," but let’s face it—awesome is better. Here are a few ways to use these sparkling edible orbs of holiday joy:

• Crown a layer cake: Frosted layer cakes are a dime a dozen; top one with sparkling cranberries and watch folks oooh and ahhh! This Gingerbread Cake With Cranberry Frosting is the perfect example.
• Punch up a pie: Whether it’s apple, pear, cranberry, or even pumpkin, a whipped cream or meringue-topped pie is just “meh” until you invite sparkling cranberries to the party. All of the sudden it’s like Beyoncé came in and put a ring on it, y’all.
• Dress up a drink: OK, so this may sound a little crazy, but hear us out. Did you know that cranberries float? Yep. So why not drop a few cranberries in your holiday punch, your morning mimosa, or your Old Fashioned? Sure, the sugar will gradually slide off, but you’ll make a big impression before it does!
• Add festive flair to holiday cakes: Sugared cranberries make the perfect garnish for a buche de Noel; they're also a great way to spruce up a gingerbread Bundt cake.
• Boost brunch: You can sprinkle them over pancakes and waffles to transform them from plain Jane to magical.
• Give shine to dinner mains: Add them to a platter of carved ham with some rosemary sprigs for an extra-festive garnish.

So, what are you waiting for? Make a batch or two of these sparkling beauties and let your imagination run wild—they’re the perfect tool for transforming anything from run-of-the-mill to merry and bright!

How Long Do Sugared Cranberries Last?

Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week. As time passes, the sugary coating may begin to soften, but you can toss to coat in sugar once more before serving for a fresh, frosty finish.

You can also freeze sugared cranberries for longer storage. Flash-freeze in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to two months. Note that the texture may be affected once the frozen cranberries are thawed.

More Festive Cranberry Recipes You'll Love

If you love cranberries the way we do, you'll love incorporating them into these festive appetizers, cocktails, and desserts:

• Cranberry Brie Bites
• Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
• Layered Cranberry Salad
• Cranberry Apple Pie
• Frosted Cranberry Kir Royale
• Cranberry Christmas Cake
• Brown Sugar-Cranberry Pound Cake
• Mini Cranberry-Cheesecake Pies
• Cranberry-Orange Bundt Cake
• Orange Chess Pie with Cranberry Gelée

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.