← Back to Recipes
Candied Cranberries Recipe recipe photo - Candied Cranberries Recipe by Jan

Candied Cranberries Recipe

Published: September 1, 2025 Prep Time: About 20 minutes Cook Time: About 10 minutes Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes Serves: 2 cups Difficulty: Easy Category: Dessert Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup superfine sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse cranberries and pat dry
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and water
  3. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt
  5. Add cranberries and stir gently to coat
  6. Let stand for 2 hours, stirring occasionally
  7. Drain cranberries and discard syrup
  8. Place superfine sugar in a shallow dish
  9. Roll cranberries in superfine sugar to coat
  10. Place on a wire rack to dry for 1 hour
  11. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week

Special Notes

These candied cranberries are perfect for holiday decorating and snacking. The sugar syrup infuses the cranberries with sweetness while maintaining their tart flavor. The superfine sugar coating creates a beautiful crystalline appearance. These are perfect for garnishing desserts, cocktails, or charcuterie boards. You can also use them in salads or as a sweet snack. The key is not to overcook the cranberries to prevent them from becoming mushy.

← Back to Recipes