Place a large wire rack over a baking sheet and set aside.

Place ½ cup of the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan with the water. Heat over medium low until the sugar dissolves. Add the cranberries and stir until well coated.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the cranberries from the simple syrup, allowing excess syrup to drain back into the pan. Place the candied cranberries in a single layer on the wire rack and let stand 1 hour until dried.

Place the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar in a medium bowl and toss with the orange zest until thoroughly combined. Roll the cranberries in the sugar until well coated, then place back on the wire rack and let stand for another hour or so at room temperature to dry. Enjoy!