Sparkling Cranberries are the perfect addition to your holiday table. To impress your crowd this Thanksgiving, check out How to make Sparkling Cranberries.
Do you want a simple, yet beautiful little holiday treat for your seasonal gatherings? I like to make things that are quick & easy & yet look so incredibly special.
It doesn’t take all day in the kitchen to create something that is a show-stopper at your next party.
These Sparkling Cranberries (sometimes called sugared cranberries) recipe gets people oohing & ahhing over just how pretty & tasty they are.
I love creating beautiful recipes for the holiday season. Each year I pick something really special to prepare for the day.
One of my absolute favorites is this recipe for Sparkling Cranberries.
It doesn’t take a lot of prep time, but you do have to plan ahead because these have to soak for 3 days before they are ready.
Sparkling Cranberries Recipe
This post contains some affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Soaking them in the syrup overnight makes them sweet & simply wonderful.
I’m telling you, these sugared cranberries are so perfect for the holiday season. Everyone just loves them and they are so pretty.
I love that these make such a pretty garnish on top of a dessert or scattered on the buffet table.
sugared cranberries
Here are some commonly asked questions
Can sugared cranberries be frozen?
Sugared cranberries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Do not freeze sugared cranberries, as they will lose their crunch.
How long do they last?
Sugared cranberries will last for several weeks if stored properly. Keep them in a covered container in the refrigerator. If they start to weep, add some sugar to freshen them up.
What kind of sugar should I use?
When it comes to making sugared cranberries, you have a few different options when it comes to the type of sugar you use. You can either use cane sugar or granulated sugar. Both sugars have their own benefits, so it really just depends on your preference.
If you want a more natural option, then cane sugar is the way to go. Cane sugar is made from sugar cane and is less processed than granulated sugar. This means that it retains some of the molasses flavors from the sugar cane, which gives it a slightly richer flavor.
On the other hand, if you want your sugared cranberries to be extra sweet, then granulated sugar is the way to go. Granulated sugar is made from refined Sugar beet and has a very sweet taste. It also dissolves more easily than cane sugar, so your cranberries will have a smoother coating.
Why do I have to soak the cranberries for so long?
Cranberries are pretty tough. It takes a lot to really soak in and cut that tartness they are known for. So please plan ahead and make sure you can soak these for the full 3 days prior to rolling in the sugar.
What can I use these Sugared Cranberries for?
I mainly like to use these for decoration on the Thanksgiving table. But I have also used them to garnish our desserts like cake, cupcakes, and frosted brownies. They make a big impact.
HOW DO YOU MAKE SPARKLING CRANBERRIES?
- Rinse cranberries.
- Heat water & sugar until sugar is dissolved
- Allow them to come to room temperature.
- Pour mixture over cranberries.
- Cover & refrigerate 3 days.
- Strain out cranberries.
- Roll sticky cranberries in granulated sugar and allow to dry at room temperature.
Can I eat candied cranberries?
Cranberry sauce is a holiday favorite, but did you know that you can also eat candied cranberries? Candied cranberries are made by coating fresh cranberries in sugar and then cooking them. This process makes the cranberries more shelf-stable and prevents them from going bad as quickly.
You can eat candied cranberries as is or use them to top desserts or cocktails. You can also use them to garnish food.
What can I do with the sugar syrup?
You can use sugar syrup to add sweetness and moisture to cakes, drinks, and lemonade.
Sparkling Cranberry Recipe
Ingredients for Sugared Cranberries
- granulated sugar
- water
- fresh cranberries
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, absolutely, that will work just fine. No need to thaw them first, the soaking will take care of that as they sit.
candied cranberries
What can I use sugar-coated cranberries for?
Sugar-coated cranberries are a great way to add sweetness and tartness to various dishes. They make a great garnish or can be used as a base for other dishes.
Cranberry cocktails are a great way to enjoy the sweet flavor of cranberries in a variety of drinks. Sugared cranberries make a great snack or addition to cocktails. Use sugared cranberries for a unique flavor and texture when making a charcuterie board.
More Great Cranberry Recipes
- Cranberry Orange Mimosa
- Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
- Crockpot Cranberry Cider
- Apple Cranberry Spritzer
- Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Quick Cranberry Bread
- Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Loaf
- Cranberry Cake
- Pumpkin Cranberry Granola
- Cranberry Butter
- Cranberry Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Products I love when making sparkling cranberries…
This sugared cranberry recipe is SUPER delicious – and if you’re like me this time of year, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made sugared cranberries before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love them. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this special recipe.
DON’T MISS MY HOLIDAY E-BOOK!
How to make Sugared Cranberries
If you love this easy sugared cranberry recipe, you’re going to love these other holiday recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
If you love this recipe for Sparkling Cranberries as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
CONNECT WITH TASTE OF THE FRONTIER!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Sparkling Cranberries
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar + more for coating later
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries & set them aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat1 cup of water & 1 cup of sugar until the sugar is dissolved & the liquid is warm. Do not boil.
- Remove from the heat & allow it to come to room temperature. (cranberries will pop if the syrup is too hot)
- Once the syrup is cool- pour it over the cranberries & place something on top of the cranberries to hold them down in the syrup since they will naturally float.
- Cover & refrigerate for 3 days.
- Once the cranberries have soaked for the allotted time – strain out the cranberries into a colander & reserve the syrup for another recipe.
- Roll the sticky cranberries in additional granulated sugar, place the coated cranberries on a tray or baking sheet and allow them to dry at room temperature.
- Transfer the syrup to an airtight container & store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Taste of the Frontier cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Emily Thompson says
seriously Gina, these are too beautiful to eat!! WOW! How long do you think they would last in a bowl as a decoration? ;o) Thanks for sharing at my Crafty Christmas round up! I have to hunt down some fresh cranberries to try this out! Emily
Kristy O says
WOW! These are so pretty, bet they are tasty too. Your photography is gorgeous! Pinning this to remember.
xox – Kristy
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
These are SO pretty Gina! I love them!
rosemary says
They’re beautiful! I’ll try that.
Tina says
These look amazingly delicious!!! I pinned them. Found you through the work it wednesday link up. =)
Jane says
Hi Gina!
These look almost too pretty to eat! 😉 I’m pretty sure I could eat a whole bowl in one sitting regardless 🙂
Thank you for the inspiration!
Have a wonderful day~
-Jane @ http://www.urbanejane.com
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
Hi there, stopping by from Show Stopper Saturday! I’m loving this sparkling cranberries. It’s so pretty! Pinned. Have a lovely week.
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
Ok, I can see how people ohh and ahh at that… soo pretty. The bright red with the sparkling sugar. Love it! Pinning, thanks girl!
Carrie From Carrie This Home says
These look awesome, Gina! They’re so pretty and festive–perfect for Christmas! Would you mind to link this up to my Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop? I think our readers would love to see this!
Brooke says
These are stunning! I have a bag of cranberries in my fridge right now, and I know what I’m going to do with them. Thanks so much for sharing! Have a great day!
Gina Kleinworth says
Oh my- Brooke- you must make them. They look so pretty sprinkled on everything.
Catherine says
Dear Gina, I love this festive recipe for holiday cranberries. They look so beautiful. Blessings, Catherine
Hannah says
Love this!! We have done the sugar frozen dried onto grapes before but I LOVE the idea of the syrup 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Pinning now.
Hannah ♫
Sew Lah Tea Dough
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling says
These are GORGEOUS, Gina! I’m in love with them! (p.s. I always want to feature you on SNF but I can’t figure out how to share your pics!! Help!)
Emily says
These are beautiful! I tried some at someone’s house once and loved them, but never tried them myself. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
sWArA mIsRa says
I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article.
Yamini says
Love this “Sparkling Cranberries Recipe” , it looks so delicious, thanks for sharing this recipe with us.
Alishka says
These Sparkling Cranberries seems like sweet and sour candies, will love to make these by own . Thanks for sharing this one .
Dezne Jackson says
My son bought two bags of cranberries thinking they would be sweet
Well they was not sweet, so i decided to make some sugar berries (Sparkling Cranberries) today 01/14/2023 so they will be ready on Wednesday
I am surprising him with them
Very simple and easy recipe
Love it 👍🏽