Hello, fellow flavor seekers! It’s Savannah Rose from JustFlowe Blog, and I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite holiday treats with you: 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries. This recipe isn’t just simple; it’s a beautiful way to add a touch of festive sweetness to your celebrations. The tartness of the cranberries combined with the sugary coating creates a delightful flavor explosion that’s perfect for snacking, garnishing, or gifting.

For me, this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries recipe represents more than just a delicious treat. It’s about creating moments of joy and connection with my family. We often make these together, turning a simple kitchen task into a fun, memorable experience. The kids love rolling the cranberries in sugar, and I love watching their faces light up as they taste the sweet and tart results.

I remember the first time I made these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries. I was looking for a festive garnish to adorn our holiday desserts. I stumbled upon a recipe that seemed simple enough, but the moment I tasted those first few candied cranberries, I was hooked! The combination of tartness and sweetness was simply divine. It’s a recipe that has now become a cherished tradition. So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, I invite you to join me in making these delightful 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning treat.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful little gems. This 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries recipe proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices.

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries: fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and water.

12 ounces fresh cranberries: Look for firm, bright red cranberries. For the best flavor in your 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries, I recommend sourcing these from your local farmers market or grocery store.
2 cups granulated sugar: This provides the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Trust me, this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!
1 cup water: This helps the sugar adhere to the cranberries. You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries at your local grocery store.

Let’s Create This Together!

Ready to transform these simple ingredients into a dazzling treat? Here’s how we make our 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries!

Prepare the Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the water and 1 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes. This creates a lovely syrup that will coat our cranberries. While your 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family!
Add the Cranberries: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cranberries to the simple syrup. Stir gently to ensure all the cranberries are coated. Let them sit in the syrup for at least one hour, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. I’ve found that this longer soak really infuses the cranberries with sweetness. Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries – learn from my experience!
Dry the Cranberries: After soaking, drain the cranberries thoroughly. A slotted spoon works perfectly for this. Place them on a wire rack to dry for about an hour. This step is crucial for ensuring the sugar adheres properly. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
Coat with Sugar: Place the remaining 1 cup of sugar in a shallow dish. Roll the cranberries in the sugar, one batch at a time, until they are completely coated. This is where the magic happens, turning those tart berries into glistening jewels! In my kitchen, this flavorful 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries typically takes about 15-20 minutes to coat all the cranberries.
Let Them Dry Again: Place the sugared cranberries back on the wire rack to dry for another hour or two. This allows the sugar coating to harden and create that beautiful, crystallized look. Don’t be surprised if your 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries develops a slightly sticky texture at first; this will disappear as they dry.
Enjoy!: Once the sugar coating is dry and hardened, your 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are ready to be enjoyed! They’re perfect for snacking, garnishing desserts, or adding a festive touch to your holiday cocktails. Your 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now!

How We Love to Enjoy This!

Our family loves to enjoy these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries in so many ways! They are a perfect addition to our holiday dessert platter, adding a pop of color and flavor. I often sprinkle them on top of cheesecakes, cakes, or even just a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream.

Around the holidays, these candied cranberries are a must-have. They add a festive touch to our holiday table, and they make a beautiful and thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors. I like to package them in small cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries appears with a delicious cheesecake.

Sometimes, I’ll even add them to our cheese boards. The tartness of the cranberries pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese. For another use, check out this easy recipe for Sugared Cranberries (easy w/ video!) | Vanilla And Bean.

If you happen to have any leftover 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries (which is rare in our house!), you can chop them up and add them to muffins or scones for a burst of flavor. Or, you can use them to garnish your holiday cocktails. They look especially festive floating in a glass of champagne or sparkling cider. This 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got questions about making these delightful 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries? I’m here to help! Here are some common questions I get asked, along with my tried-and-true answers.

Does this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries really satisfy hearty appetites? Absolutely! While they’re a sweet treat, the tartness of the cranberries prevents them from being overly sugary. They are perfect for satisfying that craving for something sweet and slightly tangy. My family loves when I add a sprinkle of orange zest to our 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries for an extra zing.

Can I use frozen cranberries? Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe, as they hold their shape better and have a more vibrant flavor. Frozen cranberries tend to be a bit softer and may not hold up as well during the sugaring process. That said, if you are in a pinch, check out Candied cranberries have just 3 ingredients and will make any dessert sparkle.

What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries? No problem! You can reduce the soaking time in the simple syrup to lessen the intensity of the cranberry flavor. You can also use a lighter coating of sugar. I often make a batch with less sugar for my kids, and they love them just as much.

How long do these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries last? When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these sugared cranberries can last for up to a week. However, they are usually devoured long before that in our house! Trust me, this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!

Can I add other flavors to the simple syrup? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors to customize your sugared cranberries. Vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even a pinch of cinnamon can add a unique twist. My family loves when I add a splash of orange liqueur to the simple syrup for a more sophisticated flavor.

How can I prevent the sugar from clumping? Make sure the cranberries are completely dry before rolling them in the sugar. Also, use a shallow dish for the sugar, and roll the cranberries in small batches. This will help ensure an even coating and prevent clumping.

How can I prepare this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries ahead for busy weeks? These are perfect to make ahead! They store wonderfully and can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Looking for another way to prepare? Check out Viral Candied Cranberries Recipe, How To Make Them.

Final Kitchen Wisdom:

This 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries recipe is more than just a simple treat; it’s a way to bring joy and connection to your family during the holidays and beyond. It perfectly embodies my cooking philosophy: simple, wholesome ingredients that create memorable flavors.

My 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries Flavor Secrets:

Quality Cranberries: The fresher the cranberries, the better the flavor. Look for firm, bright red berries for the best results.
Patience is Key: Don’t rush the drying process. Letting the cranberries dry completely after soaking and sugaring ensures a perfect, crystallized coating.
Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors in the simple syrup. Vanilla, citrus, and spices can all add a unique twist.

My family loves when I make a few variations of these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries. My son, loves the classic version, while my daughter, prefers a hint of orange zest. I, myself, am a huge fan of adding a touch of vanilla extract to the simple syrup.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Experiment with different flavors, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! This easy cranberry recipe is a family favorite for good reason!

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet and tart aroma of these delightful 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries!

3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries

Print Recipe

These glistening 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are a festive and easy treat, perfect for snacking, decorating, or adding a sweet and tart touch to your holiday desserts. They require minimal effort and look stunning!

Author: Savannah Rose
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces fresh cranberries
2 cups granulated sugar, divided
¾ cup water

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Instructions

Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems or damaged berries.
In a medium saucepan, combine water and 1 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Remove from heat and add the cranberries. Stir to coat, then cover the saucepan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
Drain the cranberries in a colander. Discard the sugar syrup.
Place the remaining 1 cup of sugar in a bowl. Add the drained cranberries and toss to coat evenly.
Spread the sugared cranberries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them dry for at least 1 hour, or until the sugar coating is firm and dry.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, thread the sugared cranberries onto skewers or use them to garnish cakes and desserts. Store leftover sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.