5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

This quick preparation highlights fresh cranberries enveloped in a crisp, sparkling sugar shell. A warm syrup gently coats the berries before rolling in sugar, resulting in a crunchy, vibrant snack that’s ideal for spontaneous treats, garnishes, or sharing. Minimal cooking time and simple ingredients make this a go-to for fast, flavorful enjoyment.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:27:00 GMT
Vibrant 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, coated in sparkling sugar, ready to be enjoyed! Save
Vibrant 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, coated in sparkling sugar, ready to be enjoyed! | bakozy.com

A quick and vibrant treat featuring tart cranberries coated in a sparkling crunchy sugar shell—perfect for snacking, garnishing, or gifting.

I love making these candied cranberries when I need a colorful and sweet garnish with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Fresh cranberries: 2 cups (200 g), rinsed and dried
  • Water: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Granulated sugar for syrup: 1/4 cup (50 g)
  • Granulated sugar for rolling: 1/2 cup (100 g)

Instructions

Christmas Kitchen Gift
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🎅 Christmas Deal — Almost Gone
I’d buy this **again without hesitation**. Practical, high-quality, and something people actually use — **perfect last-minute Christmas gift**.
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Prepare syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar. Heat over medium, stirring, just until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 1 minute).
Coat cranberries:
Place cranberries in a large bowl. Pour the warm syrup over the cranberries and toss gently to coat all berries evenly.
Dry cranberries:
Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to a wire rack or parchment-lined tray. Let them sit for 2 minutes to become slightly tacky.
Roll in sugar:
Roll a few cranberries at a time in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar until well coated. Set aside to dry for another 2 minutes before serving.
Christmas Kitchen Gift
🎄 My Go-To Christmas Gift This Year
🎅 Christmas Deal — Almost Gone
I’d buy this **again without hesitation**. Practical, high-quality, and something people actually use — **perfect last-minute Christmas gift**.
🎁 Check Today’s Price
⏰ Prices usually jump closer to Christmas
Christmas Kitchen Gift
🎄 My Go-To Christmas Gift This Year
🎅 Christmas Deal — Almost Gone
I’d buy this **again without hesitation**. Practical, high-quality, and something people actually use — **perfect last-minute Christmas gift**.
🎁 Check Today’s Price
⏰ Prices usually jump closer to Christmas
Easy 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, showcasing bright red berries, perfect for a sweet snack. Save
Easy 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, showcasing bright red berries, perfect for a sweet snack. | bakozy.com

My family always enjoys these as a holiday treat especially when we garnish desserts with them.

Required Tools

Small saucepan Mixing bowl Slotted spoon Wire rack or parchment-lined tray

Allergen Information

This recipe is free from common allergens Always check ingredient labels if you have concerns about cross-contamination

Nutritional Information

Calories 70 Total Fat 0 g Carbohydrates 18 g Protein 0 g (per serving)

Close-up of freshly made 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, glistening and ready to use. Save
Close-up of freshly made 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, glistening and ready to use. | bakozy.com

The sparkling sugar coating adds a delightful crunch that complements the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.

Recipe FAQ

How do I get a crunchy sugar coating?

After dipping cranberries in warm syrup, roll them thoroughly in granulated sugar and allow to dry; this creates a sparkling, crunchy texture.

Can I add extra flavorings to the coating?

Yes, adding orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup enhances the cranberries with subtle, fragrant notes.

What is the best way to dry the coated cranberries?

Place coated cranberries on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray for a few minutes to let the sugar harden and achieve a crisp finish.

How long do candied cranberries stay fresh?

They are best enjoyed the same day but can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours without losing crunch.

Is it necessary to rinse cranberries before use?

Yes, rinsing and drying cranberries before coating ensures the syrup adheres evenly and results in a uniform sugary shell.

5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries

Tart cranberries coated in sparkling sugar, ready in minutes for snacking or garnishing.

Prep duration
5 min
0
Complete duration
5 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition specifications Plant-Based, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Main

01 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried

Syrup

01 1/4 cup water
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Coating

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Sugar Syrup: Combine 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for approximately one minute.

Phase 02

Coat Cranberries with Syrup: Place the rinsed cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm syrup evenly over the cranberries and toss gently to ensure all berries are coated.

Phase 03

Drain Excess Syrup: Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries onto a wire rack or a tray lined with parchment paper. Allow them to rest for two minutes to develop a tacky surface.

Phase 04

Sugar Coating: Roll small batches of the cranberries in the 1/2 cup granulated sugar until they are fully coated. Set aside for an additional two minutes to dry before serving.

Tools needed

  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack or parchment-lined tray

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Free from common allergens. Verify ingredient labels for cross-contamination risks.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 70
  • Fats: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 0 g