Name: Easy Sugared Cranberries (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Prep time: 1 h 40 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1 cup granulated sugar (divided into ½ cup portions); ½ cup water

With a crispy sugared exterior, and a juicy, tangy inside, sugared cranberries are a delicious festive snack on their own. These beautiful frosted cranberries make a beautiful garnish for desserts or holiday cocktails. Gluten-free and vegan too.

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What are Sugared Cranberries?

Sugared cranberries are basically cranberries that have been coated in a simple sugar syrup (made with equal parts sugar and water) to make them sticky and them rolled in sugar.

Once dried, the outer sugar coating become a sweet crispy shell that contrasts perfectly with the tart and juicy interior.

And because they also resemble frosted cranberries, they also make a perfect garnish for holiday desserts or even festive drinks! Or add these edible decorations to charcuterie boards for a sweet and tangy party snack to go with savory cheeses!

Up close shot of sugared cranberries in a bowl

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

Just 3 Ingredients: All you need to make these sugar-coated cranberries are 3 simple ingredients (water included!).
Super Easy to Make: Make a simple syrup, coat the cranberries in them, then let them dry before tossing the cranberries in sugar. That’s literally how easy it is to make these!
Totally Gluten-Free & Vegan: The best part is that this homemade sugared cranberries recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy them without issues!

A bowl of sugared cranberries surrounded with fresh cranberries

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making this easy sugared cranberries recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Ingredients for sugared cranberries recipe laid out on marble board.

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

Cranberries: I used fresh cranberries, but frozen cranberries will work just as well.
Sugar: Make sure to use granulated white sugar for the sugar syrup.

How to Make Sugared Cranberries (Step by Step):

1. Prepare Syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of the sugar and ½ cup water.

Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved to make a simple syrup. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes.

2. Add Cranberries to Syrup

Add the fresh cranberries to the syrup, stirring gently to coat all the berries evenly. Then let the cranberries sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes.

3. Dry Cranberries

Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off.

Place the syrup-coated cranberries on a wire rack or parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer to avoid sticking.

Let them dry for about an hour; they should be sticky to the touch.

Syrup coated cranberries on parchment paper

4. Coat Cranberries in Sugar

Once the cranberries are tacky, pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a shallow dish.

Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a frosted, sparkling appearance.

5. Dry Cranberries Again

Place the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or plate to dry completely for about 30 minutes. This will help the sugar harden and give them a crunchy texture.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve and enjoy these delicious sugared cranberries! They make a beautiful and delicious garnish or snack and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

Storing: To store, place the cooled sugar cranberries in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Other Cranberry Recipes You’ll Love:

Gluten-Free Holiday Snacks to Make:

Other Gluten-Free Desserts to Make:

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