5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries

Featured in: Quick Snack Fix

This lively preparation combines fresh cranberries with a simple syrup to coat them lightly before rolling in granulated sugar. Ready in just five minutes, it creates a bright, crunchy snack or garnish that can be flavored with hints of orange zest or cinnamon. The result is a vegan, gluten-free treat that offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, ideal for quick enjoyment or gifting.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:36:00 GMT
Bright red 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries glistening with sugar, perfect for a holiday garnish. Pin
Bright red 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries glistening with sugar, perfect for a holiday garnish. | quickcrav.com

A quick and vibrant treat featuring tart cranberries coated in a sparkling, crunchy sugar shell—perfect for snacking, garnishing, or gifting.

This recipe quickly became my go-to for festive snacks and garnish ideas.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (200 g) fresh cranberries: rinsed and dried
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water: for syrup
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar: for syrup
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar: for rolling and coating

Instructions

Step 1:
In a small saucepan combine 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar Heat over medium stirring just until the sugar dissolves Remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 1 minute)
Step 2:
Place cranberries in a large bowl Pour the warm syrup over the cranberries and toss gently to coat all berries evenly
Step 3:
Using a slotted spoon transfer cranberries to a wire rack or parchment-lined tray Let them sit for 2 minutes to become slightly tacky
Step 4:
Roll a few cranberries at a time in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar until well coated Set aside to dry for another 2 minutes before serving
Pin
| quickcrav.com

My family loves these candied cranberries as a colorful holiday treat we're always excited to share.

Notes

For extra flavor add orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup Use superfine sugar for an even crunchier coating

Required Tools

Small saucepan Mixing bowl Slotted spoon Wire rack or parchment-lined tray

Allergen Information

This recipe is free from common allergens Always check ingredient labels if you have concerns about cross-contamination

Close-up of sparkling 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, coated in sugar, ready for a delicious snack. Pin
Close-up of sparkling 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, coated in sugar, ready for a delicious snack. | quickcrav.com

Enjoy these vibrant candied cranberries as a quick snack or festive garnish that adds sparkle to any occasion.

Recipe Q&A

How do I make the sugar coating stick to the cranberries?

After tossing the berries in warm syrup, let them rest briefly until tacky before rolling in sugar to ensure an even, sparkling coating.

Can I add extra flavors to the candied cranberries?

Yes, incorporate orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon into the syrup for a fragrant twist that complements the tartness.

What’s the best way to store the coated cranberries?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 24 hours to preserve their crunchiness.

Are these cranberries suitable for special diets?

This preparation is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.

What tools are needed for this preparation?

A small saucepan, mixing bowl, slotted spoon, and wire rack or parchment-lined tray are key for smooth coating and drying.

5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries

Tart cranberries rolled in sugar for a quick, vibrant treat with a sparkling crunch.

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Preparation time
5 min
0
Total time
5 min

Category Quick Snack Fix

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 8 Servings

Dietary specifications Vegan, Dairy-free, Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main

01 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried

Syrup

01 1/4 cup water
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Coating

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare sugar syrup: Combine 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 1 minute.

Step 02

Coat cranberries with syrup: Place cranberries in a large bowl. Pour the warm syrup over them and gently toss to coat all berries evenly.

Step 03

Drain and rest cranberries: Transfer cranberries using a slotted spoon onto a wire rack or parchment-lined tray. Let rest for 2 minutes until tacky.

Step 04

Sugar coating: Roll small batches of cranberries in 1/2 cup granulated sugar until thoroughly coated. Set aside to dry for 2 minutes before serving.

Required equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack or parchment-lined tray

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and seek advice from a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Free from common allergens; verify labels to avoid cross-contamination.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These details are offered as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Carbs: 18 g
  • Protein: 0 g