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Candied Cranberry Sugar Snacks Recipe

4.9 from 135 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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