Let’s make some sugared cranberries! This is a wonderful treat to make around the holidays, when fresh cranberries are available, and these sparkly red jewels are an easy way to dress up a dessert with festive flair. I always make them to go on pumpkin pie because they add a vibrant pop of color to the very brown-and-orange pie. Their sweet-tart, juicy flavor is so irresistible, you’ll want to snack on them all on their own. You could also drop some in a glass of sparkling wine for a little glitz!
You Need Just 3 Ingredients
How to Make Sugared Cranberries
I learned how to make these years ago; when I was growing up, we’d always have a bowl of them out around the holidays with other snacky appetizers. I do the same thing now, and my older daughter LOVES them. You’ll also need a saucepan, some parchment paper, and a slotted spoon. The process is simple, but takes a little (mostly hands-off) time while you wait for them to dry. Drain the cranberries and let dry on parchment: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cranberries from the syrup and spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them dry for about 1 hour. They’ll be very sticky, not dry, at this point. Make a simple syrup. Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated on the stove until the sugar has completely dissolved. Pour the syrup over the cranberries and let them soak for 15 minutes. Toss the sticky cranberries in a bowl of sugar, so they’re fully coated. Let dry: Spread the sugared cranberries out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and allow them to dry uncovered for at least 1 hour. You can keep them at room temperature, or place them in the refrigerator. You can also use this same process for sugaring sprigs of rosemary, which look like frosted pine needles. I love using both sugared cranberries and rosemary for garnish on a yule log cake. They’d be gorgeous around a cinnamon roll wreath, too.
A Few Success Tips I’ve Learned
Try Garnishing These Recipes With Sugared Cranberries
Bûche de Noël (Yule Log) Gingerbread Cake Cranberry Pecan Cake Pumpkin Pie or Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Wreath Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Gingerbread Waffles Cranberry Frangipane Tart
