If you’re looking for a bright, festive treat that bursts with flavor and sweetness, this Candied Cranberries Recipe is an absolute must-try. These little gems soak up tangy orange juice and get beautifully coated in powdered sugar, creating a delightful balance of tartness and sugary crunch. Perfect as a snack, garnish, or party favor, this recipe transforms simple fresh cranberries into a show-stopping sweet treat that’s sure to impress everyone who tries them.

Candied Cranberries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a few simple ingredients, this Candied Cranberries Recipe is straightforward yet packs a punch with its fresh, vibrant flavors. Each component plays a key role in bringing out that perfect tangy-sweet profile and gives the cranberries their irresistibly crunchy sugar coating.

Fresh cranberries: Use firm, bright red cranberries for the best texture and tartness in your candies.
Orange juice: This adds natural sweetness and citrus aroma while tenderizing the cranberries during soaking.
Powdered sugar: The fine sugar dusting wonderfully clings to the fruit, giving that classic candied finish and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.

How to Make Candied Cranberries Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Cranberries in Orange Juice

Begin by placing your fresh cranberries into a bowl and pouring in enough orange juice to fully submerge them. This soak, done overnight in the fridge, softens the tart berries and infuses them with a lingering citrus sweetness. It’s such a simple step that sets the foundation for flavorful, juicy candied cranberries.

Step 2: Drain and Coat with Powdered Sugar

Once the cranberries have soaked and plumped up, drain all the orange juice completely. Next, toss the cranberries gently in powdered sugar until they are evenly and generously coated. This coating doesn’t just add sweetness; it’s what gives the cranberries their signature candied texture.

Step 3: Bake to Set and Add Crunch

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, then spread your sugar-coated cranberries out in a single layer. Bake at a low temperature of 200°F for about five minutes. This brief baking dries out the sugar coating just enough, creating a satisfying crunch without losing the juicy interior.

Step 4: Cool and Store or Enjoy

Let the cranberries cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be snacked on immediately or saved for later—you’ll love having this sweet treat ready whenever the mood strikes!

How to Serve Candied Cranberries Recipe

Garnishes

Candied cranberries add a pop of color and crunch as a garnish to everything from holiday cocktails and festive desserts to salads and cheese boards. Their bright red hue makes any dish instantly more cheerful and inviting.

Side Dishes

Try serving these candies alongside rich sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or creamy mashed potatoes. The sweet-tart contrast enhances savory dishes beautifully, turning simple meals into memorable experiences.

Creative Ways to Present

For an unforgettable touch, thread candied cranberries onto toothpicks for elegant appetizer picks or mix them into yogurt parfaits or oatmeal bowls for a festive burst. You can even sprinkle them over cupcakes or muffins for a delightful holiday surprise inside and out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their crunch and fresh flavor, so you can enjoy them all week long.

Freezing

While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze candied cranberries for up to one month. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to re-crisp your cranberries, pop them back into a 200°F oven for a few minutes. This quick step refreshes their delightful crunch without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use other juices instead of orange juice?

Absolutely! While orange juice adds a lovely citrusy brightness, you can experiment with pomegranate or apple juice for different flavor profiles. Just make sure the juice is flavorful enough to complement the cranberries.

How long do candied cranberries last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, candied cranberries last about three days at room temperature. Beyond that, they can start to lose their crunch and fresh flavor.

Is it necessary to bake the cranberries?

Baking at a low temperature helps dry the sugar coating so it sticks better and adds a pleasant crunch. You could skip this, but the texture won’t be quite the same.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are best here for their firm texture. Frozen cranberries tend to be softer and might not hold up well during soaking and baking.

Are candied cranberries suitable for kids?

Yes! These sweet treats are a great healthy snack alternative and loved by kids of all ages. Just watch portion sizes since they are sugary.

Final Thoughts

This Candied Cranberries Recipe is one of those magical kitchen creations that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum joy. Bright, sweet, and irresistibly crunchy, these gems are so versatile—whether to jazz up holiday plates, sweeten snacks, or add seasonal cheer to your everyday meals. Grab some fresh cranberries and give this easy recipe a whirl; I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to these delightful candies time and time again!