Description
These Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are a sweet and tangy treat with a festive sparkle. The tart cranberries are soaked in a warm orange-vanilla syrup and coated in sugar for a delightful holiday snack. Perfect for adding to desserts, salads, or simply enjoying on their own! #CandiedCranberries #HolidayTreats #ChristmasSnacks #FestiveFlavors #OrangeCranberries #SweetAndTangy #ChristmasRecipes #EasySnacks
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Additional granulated sugar for coating
- Clear sparkling sugar (optional, for extra sparkle)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup reaches a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Let the syrup cool slightly.
- Add the cranberries to the warm syrup and stir gently to coat. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, letting the excess syrup drain off. Spread the remaining granulated sugar and sparkling sugar (if using) on a shallow plate.
- Roll the cranberries in the sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Place the sugar-coated cranberries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them dry at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
- Once dried, store the candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- For an even more intense flavor, soak the cranberries for the full 2 hours.
- Feel free to add more spices, like cloves or nutmeg, for a different twist.
- If you prefer not to use sparkling sugar, regular granulated sugar will work perfectly.
- These make a lovely homemade gift if packaged in a jar with a ribbon!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes (for syrup simmering)
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Holiday Treat
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- 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: 0g