Festive Candied Cranberries

Festve Sugared Cranberries

Watch out! These candied cranberries are so addicting. Not only do they taste scrumptious, they look festive and are a unique and fun addition to any holiday gathering!

Last year I made these for a snack to serve at our neighborhood Christmas cookie exchange. (Remember the homemade marshmallows?) Just about everyone who tasted the cranberries asked for the recipe. They have the perfect tart-sweet balance and a very satisfying “pop” when you bite into them.

I’m not sure where the original recipe comes from, as my recipe comes from my own Supermom’s kitchen! So, I guess I can credit her?

You will need:
:: Bag of fresh cranberries
:: 2 cups water
:: 3 cups sugar divided

To make:
Rinse and drain cranberries. Remove any stems or over-ripe berries. Make simple syrup by mixing 2 cups water and 2 cups sugar in a saucepan and cooking over medium heat until thickened and sugar is dissolved. (Do not boil. If the syrup does boil, let cool for several minutes before adding to berries to prevent popping berries.)

In a large bowl combine syrup and berries. Cover. Refrigerate overnight.

The next day, drain cranberries and spread on a large baking sheet. Pour 1 cup sugar over berries and gently shake baking sheet until cranberries are coated with sugar. Using a spatula, transfer coated berries to a fresh baking sheet. Let sit uncovered for an hour or so until dry and crisp. Serve immediately or store covered up to 3 days.

CandiedCranberries 4

Super-tip: When you drain the cranberries, save the cranberry-infused simple syrup. Pour a splash of the syrup into a glass of 7-up for added flavor and holiday cheer. Oooh, and be sure to garnish your drink with speared cranberries — so cute!

Aimée

Contributor at Paging Supermom
Aimée was a co-founder of Paging Supermom. Although she dreams in pink, she wouldn’t trade her two energetic boys for anything. Between using The Force on surrounding battle droids and flying to infinity and beyond, Aimée enjoys squeezing in some personal creative time. With a background in advertising, marketing and design, she is proud to stay home raising her boys.

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7 thoughts on “Festive Candied Cranberries”

  1. These are so pretty and look delicious! I love the jar you put them in as well. What a pretty centerpiece for a party! I will definitely have to attempt to make these at some point.

    Reply
  2. I made these for New Year’s Eve and they were amazing!!! My husband and little girl couldn’t stop eating them. These are going to be a new tradition. Thanks so much for sharing such a yummy and different treat!

    Reply
  3. Hi!
    I found your recipe at Honest to Nod, tried it and it tasted great! It’s not easy to get fresh cranberries in my region, but I did my best to find them and prepare this delicious snack. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I wrote a post on my blog with your recipe and my pictures. Link to your post is included!

    Greetings from Poland!!!

    Reply
  4. Beautiful! I prefer your recipe to the one my husband uses that calls for egg whites as the “adhesive” to coat the cranberries. these are always a hit at thanksgiving, so i’m going to make some as christmas gifts this year. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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