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Candied Cranberries

Bowl of candied cranberries coated in sugar on a festive grey background

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These candied cranberries are a crunchy, sweet-tart holiday treat made with just 3 ingredients. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping festive dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (210 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 cups (16 fl oz/473 ml) orange juice or Sprite (or similar sugary liquid)
  • 1 cup (106 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Add cranberries to a large bowl and pour in orange juice or soda. Ensure they are fully submerged. Let soak for 1 hour at room temperature.
  2. Drain cranberries using a strainer but do not dry them; they should remain wet.
  3. Transfer cranberries to a large Ziploc bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until all cranberries are fully coated.
  4. Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Spread sugar-coated cranberries on the baking sheet in a single layer.
  6. Bake for 4–5 minutes until the sugar forms a hardened coating. Do not overbake.
  7. Allow cranberries to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

  • Do not use frozen cranberries, as they contain too much moisture.
  • Use high-quality powdered sugar to avoid unpleasant aftertaste from cornstarch.
  • Organic brands with tapioca starch are recommended for better flavor.
  • Avoid soaking cranberries longer than necessary—1 hour is enough.
  • Make sure cranberries are not overbaked to prevent leaking or soft texture.

Nutrition