Candied Cranberry Sugar Snacks Recipe
Introduction
Candied cranberry sugar snacks are a delightful treat that balances tartness and sweetness perfectly. These bite-sized gems are coated in a crisp sugar shell, making them a festive and fun snack for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and dry them thoroughly using paper towels.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the water and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup stand for 2 minutes to cool slightly.
- Step 3: Add the cranberries to the cooled syrup and stir gently to coat them evenly. Allow the cranberries to soak for 5 minutes in the syrup.
- Step 4: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the soaked cranberries onto a wire rack set over parchment paper. Let them drain for 15 minutes to remove excess syrup.
- Step 5: Place the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Working in batches, roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar until they are evenly coated.
- Step 6: Arrange the sugar-coated cranberries back on the wire rack and let them dry at room temperature for at least 1 hour. This allows the sugar shell to become crisp.
Tips & Variations
- Use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable, but thaw and dry them thoroughly before starting.
- For a flavored twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the syrup while heating.
- Store the candied cranberries in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
Storage
Store the candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their crisp texture. If you need to store them longer, refrigeration is possible but may soften the sugar coating. Before serving, bring them back to room temperature for the best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Dried cranberries will not work for this recipe because they lack the moisture needed to soak in the syrup and develop the crisp sugar coating.
How long do candied cranberries last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these candied cranberries stay fresh and crisp for about 3 days at room temperature.
PrintCandied Cranberry Sugar Snacks Recipe
This Candied Cranberry Sugar Snack recipe transforms fresh cranberries into a sweet, crunchy treat by coating them in a simple syrup and rolling them in sugar. Perfect for a festive snack or garnish, these candied cranberries offer a delightful balance of tartness and sugary crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of candied cranberries 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold running water. Pat them completely dry using paper towels to ensure they are free of moisture before proceeding.
- Make Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool and stand for 2 minutes.
- Coat Cranberries in Syrup: Add the dried cranberries to the cooled syrup and stir gently to coat them evenly. Let the cranberries soak in the syrup for 5 minutes to absorb the sweetness.
- Drain and Dry Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the syrup-coated cranberries to a wire rack set over parchment paper. Let them drain and dry for 15 minutes to remove excess syrup.
- Roll in Sugar: Pour the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Working in batches, roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar until they are evenly coated with a crystalline sugary shell.
- Final Drying: Arrange the sugar-coated cranberries back on the wire rack and allow them to dry at room temperature for at least 1 hour. This step ensures the sugar coating becomes crisp and crunchy.
Notes
- Ensure cranberries are completely dry before syrup coating to achieve optimal sugar adherence.
- The sugar coating adds crunch and a sweet exterior shell; do not skip the drying step for best texture.
- You can store the candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- This recipe offers a natural tart and sweet balance, making it an excellent garnish for desserts or cocktails.
Keywords: candied cranberries, sugar snack, cranberry recipe, sweet snack, holiday treat

