Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries

Introduction

The first time I made these Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries, I was surprised by how quickly they became a family favorite. The vibrant red of the cranberries combined with the sweet, citrusy flavor of the orange and vanilla syrup made for a stunning, festive treat. My kids loved rolling them in the sugar, and I was impressed with how simple the process was. These candied cranberries became an instant hit at holiday gatherings, and even people who weren’t huge fans of cranberries were asking for the recipe. They’re perfect for adding a little sparkle to your holiday table or as a sweet treat to enjoy on their own.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe

Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are the perfect balance of tart and sweet. The fresh cranberries bring a natural tartness that pairs beautifully with the citrusy burst from the orange zest and juice. The addition of vanilla and a cinnamon stick infuses the syrup with a warm, cozy aroma, making these candied cranberries a must-have for holiday celebrations. Plus, the sugar coating gives them a festive sparkle that’s irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, adding them to salads, or using them to garnish desserts, they’re a simple yet elegant treat that will impress everyone.

Ingredients

To make Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries – Tart and juicy, the star of the show.
• 1 cup water – Forms the base of the syrup.
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided – For the syrup and coating.
• Zest & juice of 1 orange – Adds bright citrus flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For a warm, sweet aroma.
• 1 cinnamon stick – Infuses the syrup with cozy, holiday warmth.
• Additional granulated sugar – For coating the cranberries.
• Clear sparkling sugar (optional) – Adds an extra sparkle for a festive touch.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect batch of Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries:

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup reaches a gentle simmer.
3. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.

Step 2: Soak the Cranberries

1. Add the fresh cranberries to the warm syrup, gently stirring to coat them evenly.
2. Let the cranberries soak in the syrup for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, you can soak them for up to 2 hours.

Step 3: Coat the Cranberries in Sugar

1. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing any excess syrup to drain.
2. Spread the remaining granulated sugar and optional sparkling sugar on a shallow plate.
3. Roll the cranberries in the sugar mixture until they are fully coated.

Step 4: Dry the Cranberries

1. Place the sugar-coated cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Let them dry at room temperature for 1-2 hours. As they dry, the sugar coating will harden, giving them a beautiful, sparkly finish.

Step 5: Serve or Store

1. Once dried, your Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are ready to enjoy!
2. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories Per Serving)

This recipe makes about 2 cups of candied cranberries, with each serving consisting of around 1/4 cup. Here’s the nutrition breakdown per serving:

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 10-12 cranberries)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Preparation Time

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Soaking time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Drying time: 1-2 hours
• Total time: 2-3 hours (including soaking and drying)

How to Serve

Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are versatile and can be served in many different ways:

• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a sweet, tart treat.
• In Salads: Add them to mixed greens, spinach, or a holiday salad for a pop of color and flavor.
• On Desserts: Use them as a garnish for cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream for a festive touch.
• In Drinks: Garnish holiday cocktails or mocktails with these sparkling cranberries.
• As a Gift: Package them in a cute jar or bag for a homemade, edible gift that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Cranberries: Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best results. Frozen cranberries won’t work as well because they tend to become mushy after soaking.
2. Experiment with Flavors: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a few whole cloves or a star anise to the syrup along with the cinnamon stick.
3. Use Sparkling Sugar for Extra Glam: If you want your candied cranberries to really sparkle, sprinkle them with clear sparkling sugar before letting them dry.
4. Soak Longer for Stronger Flavor: If you want a more intense orange-vanilla flavor, let the cranberries soak in the syrup for up to 2 hours.
5. Make Ahead: These candied cranberries store well, so feel free to make them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? It’s best to use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor, but frozen cranberries will work in a pinch. They may be a little softer after soaking.
2. Can I make these without the cinnamon stick? Yes, you can skip the cinnamon stick if you prefer a more subtle flavor or don’t have one on hand.
3. How long do these candied cranberries last? They will stay fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
4. Can I add other flavors to the syrup? Yes! You can experiment by adding flavors like ginger, cloves, or even a splash of rum for a more adult-friendly treat.
5. Do I need to dry the cranberries? Drying the cranberries allows the sugar coating to harden and gives them that beautiful, crisp finish. It also helps them keep their shape.
6. Can I use a sugar substitute for this recipe? You can try a sugar substitute, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Look for a substitute that can be used in place of granulated sugar.
7. Can I use orange juice concentrate instead of fresh juice? Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use orange juice concentrate in a pinch.
8. How can I make these cranberries more colorful? You can try adding colored sugar or edible glitter for a more festive touch.
9. Can I use this recipe for other fruits? Yes! You can use the same technique for other fruits like grapes or apples, though the soaking time may vary.
10. Are these cranberries suitable for gifting? Yes, these cranberries make an excellent homemade gift. Package them in a cute jar with a festive ribbon for a personal touch.

Conclusion

Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are the perfect combination of tart and sweet, with the added warmth of vanilla and cinnamon. These sparkling, citrus-infused berries are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them a great addition to any holiday spread. Whether enjoyed as a snack, used to garnish desserts, or given as a gift, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a festive treat that brings a burst of flavor and a touch of sparkle to your holiday season.

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