Candied Cranberry Sugar Snacks Recipe
Introduction
This Candied Cranberry Sugar Snack is a delightful treat featuring fresh cranberries coated in a sweet, crunchy sugar shell. Perfect as a festive garnish or a simple sweet snack, these candied cranberries bring a burst of tartness balanced by sugary crispness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse cranberries under cold water and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Step 2: Combine water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let the syrup stand for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add cranberries to the cooled syrup and stir gently to coat. Let them soak for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Using a slotted spoon, transfer soaked cranberries to a wire rack set over parchment paper. Allow excess syrup to drain for 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Place remaining 1 cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Working in batches, roll the sticky cranberries in sugar until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Arrange sugar-coated cranberries back on the wire rack and let dry at room temperature for at least 1 hour until the sugar shell is crisp.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla or orange zest to the syrup before soaking cranberries.
- Use superfine sugar for a smoother coating if you prefer a finer texture.
- These candied cranberries also make a beautiful, edible garnish for cocktails and desserts.
Storage
Store the candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose their crispness, let them air dry for a bit before serving. Avoid refrigeration, which can cause the sugar coating to become sticky.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh cranberries because frozen ones release extra moisture and may not coat as well. If you use frozen, let them thaw and dry completely before starting.
How long do candied cranberries last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they last about 3 days. After that, the sugar coating may soften and the texture changes.
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Candied Cranberry Sugar Snacks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of candied cranberries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and simple recipe for Candied Cranberry Sugar Snack featuring fresh cranberries coated in a sweet syrup and rolled in sugar to create a crisp, sugary shell that’s perfect as a festive treat or snack.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water and dry them completely using paper towels to ensure they are clean and free of excess moisture.
- Make Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let the syrup stand for 2 minutes to cool slightly.
- Coat Cranberries in Syrup: Add the cranberries to the cooled syrup and gently stir to coat all the berries evenly. Allow them to soak in the syrup for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the berries become sticky.
- Drain and Dry Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the syrup-coated cranberries onto a wire rack set over parchment paper. Let the excess syrup drain off and the cranberries dry for about 15 minutes.
- 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 completely covered by a sparkling sugar layer.
- Final Drying: Arrange the sugar-coated cranberries back on the wire rack and let them dry at room temperature for at least 1 hour. This step allows the sugar shell to harden and become crisp, creating the perfect candy coating.
Notes
- Ensure cranberries are fully dry before rolling in sugar to achieve the best coating.
- You can store the candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These make a beautiful garnish for holiday cocktails or desserts.
- Use fresh and firm cranberries for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Candied Cranberries, Holiday Snack, Sweet Cranberries, Sugar Coated Fruit, Festive Treat, Easy Snack, Cranberry Recipe
