Irresistibly Sweet Candied Cranberries for Festive Cheer
Delight your guests with these easy, tangy-sweet candied cranberries, a perfect festive garnish or treat.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Baking sheet
- colander
- Slotted spoon
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Cranberries
- 2 cups fresh cranberries choose firm, vibrant berries for the best flavor and texture.
For the Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar this creates the sweet base that makes the candied cranberries irresistible.
- 1 cup water acts as the medium for the syrup, helping to dissolve the sugar evenly.
- ½ cup orange juice infuses a refreshing citrus flavor that beautifully complements the cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice adds a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile for extra warmth.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon introduces a cozy spice note, perfect for the festive season.
- ¼ teaspoon salt balances the sweetness, optimizing the overall flavor experience.
For the Coating
- ½ cup powdered sugar key for the delightful sugary coating that makes the cranberries so appealing.
- fresh orange zest for garnish (optional), adds a burst of citrus fragrance and visual appeal.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Candied Cranberries
- Begin by rinsing 2 cups of fresh cranberries under cold water to remove any debris. Discard any damaged or soft berries and drain thoroughly.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a clear simple syrup, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add ½ cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the syrup mixture. Stir well and heat until it simmers gently, about 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully add the drained cranberries to the saucepan and let them simmer gently in the syrup for about 5 minutes, until they start to pop.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberries cool in the syrup for an additional 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a slotted spoon, lift the cranberries out of the syrup and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Let the cranberries dry at room temperature for about 30 minutes until their surface is slightly tacky.
- Transfer ½ cup of powdered sugar to a bowl and toss the dry cranberries gently until they are evenly coated.
- Return the sugared cranberries to the baking sheet and allow them to set for another 15 minutes to create a crisp outer layer.
- Sprinkle fresh orange zest over the set cranberries for added flavor and serve these delightful treats!
Notes
Store your candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 27gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 10mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin C: 5mgIron: 2mg
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