5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries

Featured in: Fun & Easy Snacks

Tart cranberries are quickly coated in a warm sugar syrup, then rolled in granulated sugar to achieve a sparkling, crunchy shell. This vibrant treat comes together in just five minutes with minimal equipment. Ideal for snacking, adding a touch of sweetness as a garnish, or gifting, these cranberries offer a refreshing burst of flavor with a delightful texture. Variations can include additions like orange zest or cinnamon to enhance the profile.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT
Shiny, sugared 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries catch the light, a festive snack perfectly sugared. Pin it
Shiny, sugared 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries catch the light, a festive snack perfectly sugared. | fungeniusrecipe.com

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

This recipe has become my go-to for last-minute holiday treats, loved by family and friends alike.

Ingredients

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

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.
Bright red 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, coated in glistening sugar, ready for holiday garnishing. Pin it
Bright red 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, coated in glistening sugar, ready for holiday garnishing. | fungeniusrecipe.com

My family always eagerly waits for these during the holidays, making every moment sweeter with their crunchy texture.

Notes

For extra flavor, add orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup. Use superfine sugar for an even crunchier coating. Candied cranberries are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.

Required Tools

Small saucepan, mixing bowl, slotted spoon, wire rack or parchment-lined tray.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 70, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 0 g

Freshly made 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, a treat with a delightful sugary crunch, ready to enjoy. Pin it
Freshly made 5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries, a treat with a delightful sugary crunch, ready to enjoy. | fungeniusrecipe.com

Enjoy this fast and festive treat any time you crave a sweet and tart snack!

Recipe FAQs

How do you get cranberries to have a crunchy sugar coating?

After dipping cranberries in warm sugar syrup, rolling them in granulated sugar creates a sparkling, crunchy exterior once dried.

Can these candied cranberries be made ahead of time?

They are best served the same day to maintain crunchiness but can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.

What tools are needed for preparing candied cranberries?

A small saucepan for syrup, a mixing bowl for coating, a slotted spoon to transfer cranberries, and a wire rack or parchment-lined tray to dry them.

How can the flavor of candied cranberries be enhanced?

Adding orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar syrup offers a delightful flavor twist to the berries.

Are these candied cranberries suitable for specific diets?

Yes, they are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for diverse dietary needs.

5-Minute Express Candied Cranberries

Tart cranberries covered in crunchy sugar, ready in five minutes for snacks or garnishes.

Prep time
5 minutes
0
Complete time
5 minutes
Created by Fungeniusrecipe Chloe Anderson

Recipe category Fun & Easy Snacks

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Portions 8 Number of servings

Dietary details Plant-based, No dairy, Free from gluten

What You Need

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

How to Make

Step 01

Prepare simple syrup: Combine 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium while stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool for about 1 minute.

Step 02

Coat cranberries: Place cranberries in a large bowl and pour warm syrup over them. Toss gently until all berries are evenly coated.

Step 03

Drain excess syrup: Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries onto a wire rack or parchment-lined tray. Let them rest for 2 minutes until slightly tacky.

Step 04

Sugar roll coating: Roll small batches of cranberries in remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar until fully coated. Set aside to dry for 2 more minutes before serving or packaging.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Don’t forget to check each item for allergens. Talk to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Free from common allergens; verify ingredient labels to avoid cross-contamination.

Nutrition (each serving)

These nutrition facts are for reference only. Always consult an expert for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 70
  • Fat content: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein content: 0 g