Sugared Cranberries Without Corn Syrup

The Beauty of Sugared Cranberries

Sugared cranberries are one of those simple yet stunning holiday recipes that make everything they touch more festive. With their ruby-red color and frosty sugar coating, they look like they’ve been dipped in winter snow.

What makes this recipe special is that it’s made entirely without corn syrup — instead, you’ll use a light sugar-water syrup that creates the perfect sticky coating for the sugar to cling to.

They’re easy, elegant, and endlessly versatile. You can use them as:

• Cake or cupcake toppers

• Cheesecake or tart garnishes

• Cocktail or mocktail decorations

• Charcuterie board accents

• A sparkling edible holiday centerpiece

The contrast of tart cranberries and sweet sugar makes them irresistibly addictive — like nature’s candy with a festive twist!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No corn syrup: 100% natural sweetness.

• Quick + simple: Only 3 ingredients and minimal prep time.

• Versatile: Great for decorating, snacking, or gifting.

• Festive look: Instantly adds sparkle and color to any dish.

• Make ahead: Can be prepared a day in advance and stored easily.

These sugared cranberries are a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create stunning results.

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Ingredients

You’ll need just three simple ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and dried)

• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided

• ½ cup water

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or orange zest for subtle flavor

• A sprig of fresh rosemary or mint for garnish when serving

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Tools You’ll Need

• Saucepan

• Mixing bowls

• Fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or wire rack

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Simple Sugar Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved — but do not boil.

Once the mixture turns clear and smooth, remove it from the heat.

Pro Tip: If you’d like to add a hint of flavor, stir in vanilla extract or orange zest at this stage for a festive twist.

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Step 2: Coat the Cranberries

Add the fresh cranberries into the warm syrup. Gently stir to coat all the berries evenly.

Let them sit in the syrup for about 5 minutes — this step ensures the sugar coating will stick properly later.

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

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Step 3: Dry the Cranberries

Spread the syrup-coated cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack in a single layer.

Allow them to dry for about 30–45 minutes until they become slightly tacky (not wet or fully dry).

Tip: This tacky texture is crucial — it helps the sugar adhere perfectly without melting.

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Step 4: Roll in Sugar

Once tacky, place ½ cup sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll the cranberries gently in the sugar until they’re completely coated.

Transfer them back to the parchment paper and let them dry completely for another 30 minutes.

You’ll see them transform into sparkling ruby gems with a frosty white coating — like snow-kissed berries straight out of a Christmas fairytale.

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Step 5: Serve or Store

Serve immediately for the best crunch, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause the sugar coating to dissolve.

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Flavor Variations

Make this recipe your own with these simple variations:

• Citrus Sugared Cranberries: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the syrup for a bright twist.

• Vanilla Cranberries: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness.

• Spiced Cranberries: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar for a cozy winter flavor.

• Rosemary-Infused Syrup: Simmer a rosemary sprig in the syrup for a subtle herbal aroma.

These variations add depth and warmth, making your sugared cranberries even more special for the holidays.

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How to Use Sugared Cranberries

Sugared cranberries are not just pretty — they’re incredibly versatile! Here are some creative ways to use them:

1. Dessert Toppers

Place them on cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, or tarts for a sparkling touch.

2. Festive Garnish

Use them to decorate holiday drinks, from mocktails to hot cocoa.

3. Charcuterie or Snack Boards

Scatter them among cheeses, nuts, and crackers for a pop of color and sweetness.

4. Edible Table Decor

Place small bowls of sugared cranberries along your table for a simple, elegant centerpiece.

5. Holiday Gifts

Package them in clear jars tied with ribbon — a thoughtful homemade gift idea that looks as good as it tastes!

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Tips for Success

• Use fresh cranberries: Frozen ones won’t hold their shape or texture as well.

• Don’t skip the drying time: Letting the cranberries get tacky ensures the sugar sticks evenly.

• Single layer coating: Avoid crowding cranberries while drying or coating to prevent clumping.

• Use superfine sugar for extra sparkle: If you have it, superfine sugar gives an even glossier look.

• Handle gently: Cranberries are firm but can pop if stirred too aggressively.

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Make-Ahead + Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare a day before your event for easy entertaining.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours.

• Avoid Moisture: Do not refrigerate or cover while still drying — condensation will ruin the sparkle.

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Nutrition Information (per ¼ cup serving)

• Calories: 80

• Carbohydrates: 21g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 18g

• Fat: 0g

• Protein: 0g

While sweet, these cranberries are still naturally rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C from the fruit — making them a slightly better-for-you holiday treat!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Fresh cranberries work best. Frozen ones release moisture when thawed, which prevents the sugar coating from sticking properly.

Can I use brown sugar?
For this recipe, white granulated sugar gives the best sparkle. Brown sugar will make the coating duller and sticky.

How long do sugared cranberries last?
They stay crisp for up to 2 days at room temperature. After that, the sugar begins to dissolve.

Can I dry them faster?
You can place the tray in a cool, dry spot near a window or fan, but avoid using heat — it can melt the sugar.

Can I make these with honey or maple syrup?
Yes! Substitute the simple syrup with a light maple syrup mixture (equal parts maple syrup and warm water). Note that the coating will be slightly stickier, but still delicious and corn syrup-free.

Can I reuse the leftover syrup?
Absolutely! Drizzle it over pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt for a naturally flavored sweetener.

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Why You’ll Want to Make These Every Holiday

Sugared cranberries are more than just a garnish — they bring a touch of winter wonder to any holiday celebration.

• They’re beautiful yet simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum effect.

• They’re naturally made, skipping corn syrup for a healthier spin.

• They’re versatile, fitting effortlessly into desserts, drinks, and decor.

When displayed in a crystal bowl or atop a snowy white dessert, these sparkling cranberries add instant holiday glamour — no baking required!

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Creative Ways to Present Sugared Cranberries

• Snowy Cranberry Garland: Thread them onto food-safe twine for an edible decoration.

• Cake Cascade: Let them tumble down a frosted cake for a stunning winter look.

• Dessert Glass Accents: Rim dessert glasses with sugar and drop a few sugared cranberries inside.

• Table Centerpiece: Fill a glass jar with sugared cranberries, sprigs of pine, and fairy lights for a glowing holiday accent.

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Troubleshooting

• Sugar won’t stick: Cranberries may be too wet — allow more drying time before rolling in sugar.

• Sugar melts off: Syrup was too hot; ensure it’s warm, not boiling.

• Clumpy coating: Roll in smaller batches and let them dry individually.

• Too tart: Let the cranberries sit in syrup longer to absorb more sweetness.

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Final Thoughts

These Easy Sugared Cranberries Without Corn Syrup are proof that holiday magic doesn’t need complicated ingredients. With just three pantry staples and a little patience, you can create a sparkling treat that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Whether you scatter them on a cake, float them in a mocktail, or serve them in a crystal dish, these cranberries catch the light — and everyone’s attention.

Bring sparkle to your holidays — naturally!