Nothing screams “the holidays” more than snow, so adding a snowy element to all of your favorite holiday creations is the perfect way to get into the spirit! These Perfect Frosted Cranberries are not only a sweet and delicious addition to your holiday desserts, appetizers, or cheese boards, but they also add a beautiful festive touch to any dish. Plus, they make the perfect holiday gift!
When it comes to the holidays, we all know that cranberries are a staple ingredient. Not only are they the star of our beloved cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving, but they can often be found in desserts, cocktails, and sprinkled on the tables of your favorite Christmas recipes. As someone who personally cannot get ENOUGH of cranberries, I always look forward to cranberry season, every year. They are sweet, delicious, and bursting with color and flavor!
But in addition to being delicious, did you know that they also make for a great gift? It’s true! These Frosted Cranberries look like they’re straight out of a Hallmark movie, and are a simple and easy gift that any food-obsessed friend or family member will enjoy. Simply prepare a big batch of these Frosted Cranberries, place them in a cute jar, and you have the perfect holiday gift that anyone will love! Whenever I find myself struggling to shop for one of my loved ones, I always turn to food. Who doesn’t love getting a delicious, sweet treat as a gift?
And, if you’re looking for more gift ideas for your loved ones, then my 2022 Kalejunkie Gift Guide is where it’s at. This year, team KJ has hand-picked over 100+ items across five different categories, to make your holiday shopping a breeze. I am so excited to share these gift guides with you – but let’s get into the recipe. 😉
What You Need to Make These Delicious, Sugary Cranberries
All you need are three ingredients to bring these delicious cranberries to life! It’s truly that simple and easy!
- Cranberries: Of course, this recipe requires fresh cranberries. Cranberries are slightly sweet, high in Vitamin C, and are abundant during the holiday season.
- Water: A mixture of water and sugar will help make these cranberries sweet!
- Sugar: This recipe uses real sugar. Why? Because it makes these cranberries extra sweet and delicious, and it works perfectly, every time!
Want to Make These Cranberries Sugar Free? Try This!
However, if you want to make these cranberries sugar-free, then luckily there is a super simple and easy way to do that!
Simply swap out the sugar, 1:1, for monk fruit sweetener instead. It is a natural sugar alternative that has a low glycemic index, and tastes just like sugar (unlike stevia which can have an added taste to it!)
How to Make The Perfect Cranberries Ever
To make these cranberries, start by heating a medium saucepan, on the stove, over medium heat, and add in your water and sugar. Whisk the water and sugar until they are fully combined and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Next, add in the cranberries and cook them over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, being careful to NOT overcook. You do not want your cranberries to be soft and mushy! Once your cranberries are cooked, remove them from the heat and use a slotted spoon to add the cranberries to a baking sheet. Allow your cranberries to air dry for approximately 30 minutes.
Once your cranberries are dry, toss them in the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, until they are fully coated. Finally, transfer your cranberries to mason jars, and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to one week.
Serving Suggestions
And if you’re wondering how you can serve these cranberries, let me be the first to tell you that there are so many fun ways! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve these Perfect Frosted Cranberries:
- As a Snack: These Frosted Cranberries are perfect for snacking! They are soft, sweet, and delicious.
- For Garnishing: Try garnishing your favorite desserts or charcuterie boards with these cute cranberries!
- As a Gift: As mentioned, simply put these cranberries into cute mason jars for a fun and festive holiday gift!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! And, since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so that I can repost them! xx
** Photography by Bea Moreno
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces Fresh Cranberries
- ¾ Cup Water
- 1 Cup Sugar, 3/4 cup for the mixture, plus 1/4 cup for rolling the cranberries in. You can also substitute with granulated monk fruit for a sugar-free alternative!
Instructions
- Start by heating a medium saucepan, on the stove, over medium heat, and add in your water and sugar.
- Whisk the water and sugar until they are fully combined and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Next, add in the cranberries and cook them over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, being careful to NOT overcook. You do not want your cranberries to be soft and mushy!
- Once your cranberries are cooked, remove them from the heat and use a slotted spoon to add the cranberries to a baking sheet.
- Allow your cranberries to air dry for approximately 30 minutes.
- Once your cranberries are dry, toss them in the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, until they are fully coated.
- Finally, transfer your cranberries to mason jars, and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to one week.
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
Response
Made this for Mulled Wine. It was a really beautiful and good add on to it ;).