Okay, let’s talk about a little burst of holiday magic that comes together in minutes: 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries. Seriously, friends, these are not only ridiculously easy but they add the perfect touch of sparkle and sweetness to everything from your holiday cheeseboard to your morning yogurt. I remember the first time I made them, my little ones were mesmerized by the transformation of tart cranberries into these glistening little gems. It was such a dinnertime win! I get it – we’re all juggling a million things, so I’m here to share sanity-saving comfort food solutions that don’t add to the cozy chaos. Stick with me, and let’s make some 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries that will become a new family favorite.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you need for these simple sugared cranberries:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries: Look for firm, bright red cranberries at your local grocery store. I always grab an extra bag because they disappear fast!
- 2 cups granulated sugar, divided: The sugar is key to both the coating and the sweetness. You’ll use it to soak the cranberries and then to create that beautiful, sparkly finish.
- 1 cup water: Just plain water to help the sugar dissolve and cling to the cranberries.
Trust me, this 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Some people prefer them a little less sweet, and that’s totally fine. My family gets extra comfort when I use organic sugar; it just feels a little bit better. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, making this a super convenient treat to whip up. This easy cranberry recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, which is always a bonus in my book.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get down to business. Making these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries is so easy, you’ll be amazed.
- First, gently rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or squishy ones. We want only the best for our 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries!
- Next, in a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates our simple syrup.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the syrup from the heat and add the cranberries. Make sure they’re all submerged in the syrup.
- Now, here’s the part that requires a little patience: Let the cranberries soak in the syrup for at least 1 hour, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. This allows them to absorb the sweetness and plump up. In my busy kitchen, this comforting 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries usually soaks while I’m tackling school lunches.
- After soaking, drain the cranberries in a colander. Discard the syrup. Don’t worry if your 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries looks a little wet; that’s perfectly normal.
- Spread the remaining 1 cup of sugar on a plate or shallow dish. Roll the drained cranberries in the sugar, coating them completely. This is where the magic happens!
- Finally, place the sugared cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet to dry for about an hour. This allows the sugar coating to harden and gives them that beautiful, candied cranberries look.
While your 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are drying, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! These candied cranberries are seriously addictive, and your family will love them. Here’s where I used to struggle with my 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries – I was impatient and didn’t let them dry long enough, so learn from my experience!
How We Love to Eat This!
Okay, so you’ve got these gorgeous, sparkly 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries… now what? Well, the possibilities are endless!
My kids devour this comforting 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries when I sprinkle them on top of yogurt or oatmeal. It turns a simple breakfast into a festive treat. They’re also amazing on a cheese board, adding a sweet and tart contrast to savory cheeses. For a simple cranberry Christmas garnish, these are the best!
These simple sugared cranberries are perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! We also love them as a topping for muffins or scones, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance. For presentation, I like to arrange them in a small bowl with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a pop of color and fragrance.
If you have any leftover 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Though they’re also an easy cranberry recipe to double if you’re serving a larger group!
The kids also love to snack on them straight from the fridge. Trust me, they won’t last long! One time, I made a big batch for a holiday party, and my friend asked for the recipe immediately. She couldn’t believe how easy they were to make! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. These 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries remind me of another family favorite, sugared cranberries.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common concerns I hear from fellow busy moms about making these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries.
- Is this easy cranberry recipe really filling enough for growing kids? While these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are more of a treat or garnish, they can definitely be part of a balanced snack. I often pair them with some nuts or a piece of cheese for a more substantial bite.
- What if my picky eater won’t try these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries? Don’t give up! Sometimes, it takes a few tries for kids to warm up to new foods. Try offering them alongside something they already love, like a familiar dip or fruit. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out Sugared Cranberries (easy w/ video!) | Vanilla And Bean.
- Can I meal prep this easy cranberry recipe for busy weeks ahead? Absolutely! These 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days. This simple sugared cranberries recipe is perfect for getting a head start on holiday baking or snacking.
- How long do these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries last? They’re best enjoyed within a few days, but they can last up to a week if stored properly. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from getting sticky.
- Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe? Fresh cranberries work best because they hold their shape better. Frozen cranberries can become a bit mushy when soaked in the syrup.
- What can I do with the leftover syrup? Don’t throw it away! You can use it to sweeten tea, cocktails, or even drizzle it over pancakes or waffles.
- Are these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries too tart? The sugar coating helps balance the tartness of the cranberries. However, if you prefer a sweeter treat, you can increase the amount of sugar in the syrup. Candied cranberries have just 3 ingredients and will make any dessert sparkle! For reference, check out Candied cranberries have just 3 ingredients and will make any ….
Final Thoughts:
These 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are truly a game-changer during the holiday season. They’re so easy to make, and they add a touch of elegance to any dish. Plus, they’re a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen! These sweet and tart treats support my family’s comfort food goals by providing a simple, homemade option that everyone loves. And best of all, the variations on this simple sugared cranberries recipe are endless!
My 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries Comfort Hacks
- Add a touch of citrus: A little lemon or orange zest to the sugar coating adds a bright, zesty flavor.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar coating adds warmth and depth.
- Get creative with the sugar: Use colored sugar or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
My oldest loves the classic version, while my youngest prefers them with a hint of orange zest. My husband enjoys them with a sprinkle of cinnamon. No matter how you make them, these 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are sure to be a hit. How to Make Sugared Cranberries can be found at How to Make Sugared Cranberries – Sally’s Baking.
So, go ahead, give them a try! I hope these easy cranberry recipe helps bring a little sparkle and sweetness to your family’s table. Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. Embrace the cozy chaos and enjoy the process. And please, let me know how your family enjoys them! I’m so confident that you’ll love this simple comfort food and will keep coming back to this easy cranberry recipe year after year! Happy cooking, friends! And remember: simple sugared cranberries will quickly become a holiday staple in your home!
3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries
These sparkling 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries are a festive and easy treat! Perfect for snacking, garnishing desserts, or adding a touch of elegance to your holiday cheeseboard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and 1 cup of sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Add cranberries to the sugar syrup and simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the cranberries just begin to soften. Do not overcook or they will burst.
- Remove from heat and let the cranberries sit in the syrup for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, in the refrigerator.
- Drain the cranberries well. Place the remaining 1 cup of sugar in a bowl.
- Working in batches, toss the cranberries in the sugar until they are fully coated.
- Spread the sugared cranberries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them dry for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
For a brighter flavor, add a teaspoon of citrus zest to the sugar before tossing the cranberries. Serve as a garnish for cakes, cocktails, or cheeseboards.