Name: 5-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 cups
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200 grams fresh orange juice; 300 grams granulated sugar; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 200 grams fresh cranberries

These sugared cranberries are absolutely stunning and make the perfect festive garnish for the holidays! Use them for cocktails, as a cake decoration, on a dessert charcuterie board... the options are endless!

Side Dishes

30 m

American

Sloane’s Table

March 16, 2026

Atsloanestable.com

From the Cook

1/4

5-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries

Sloane’s Table Verified

Atsloanestable.com

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

5-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries

Instructions

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar, and salt. Place over medium heat and mix constantly until the sugar dissolves.

Bring the mixture to a simmer or about 200 degrees F.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla and cranberries. Cover the saucepan with a lid, and allow to sit for about 10 minutes.

Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the cranberries over a large measuring cup or bowl. Save the syrup for cocktails!

Spread the cranberries out on a parchment lined baking sheet, careful not to let them touch each other. Allow to dry at room temperature for about 1 hour.

Lastly, add the remaining 100g (½ cup) of sugar to a bowl. Toss the cranberries in the sugar, and enjoy!

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Orange Zest Enhancement 🍊
Add fresh orange zest to the sugar mixture before coating for intensified citrus flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
Dry Your Berries First 💧
Pat cranberries completely dry with paper towels before the sugar syrup bath to ensure the coating adheres evenly and creates a crystallized finish.
Salt as a Flavor Amplifier 🧂
Don't skip the kosher salt—it balances the sweetness and enhances the natural berry flavor, making each bite more complex and sophisticated.
Two-Stage Drying Process ⏱️
After coating, let cranberries air-dry on a wire rack for 2-3 hours, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain that perfect sugared crunch.
Vanilla Extract at the End 🌾
Add vanilla extract to your cooled sugar syrup rather than heating it to preserve its delicate aromatic notes and prevent them from cooking off.