Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries

Name: Candied Cranberries
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 (for coating, optional).

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are the perfect holiday treat, combining tart, juicy cranberries with a sweet orange-vanilla syrup. These cranberries are soaked in a flavorful mixture of orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a hint of cinnamon before being coated in granulated sugar for a beautiful, sparkling finish. Whether you're using them to decorate desserts, as a festive snack, or as a gift in a jar, these candied cranberries are sure to impress. Easy to make and full of holiday flavors, they're a must-try addition to your seasonal recipes!

By Clare Greco

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:07:52 GMT

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe

Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are a delightful treat for the holiday season. These tart cranberries are infused with the warm, citrusy flavors of orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla, then coated in sugar for a sparkling, festive finish. Perfect for snacking, decorating desserts, or gifting in jars, these cranberries are as beautiful as they are delicious.

INGREDIENTS

Fresh cranberries: 2 cups
Water: 1 cup
Granulated sugar: 1 cup (plus extra for coating)
Orange zest: Zest of 1 orange
Orange juice: Juice of 1 orange
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon stick: 1
Clear sparkling sugar: Optional, for an extra festive look

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and the cinnamon stick. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup is simmering. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly. Remove the cinnamon stick.
Step 2:: Add the cranberries to the syrup and gently stir to coat. Let the cranberries sit in the syrup for about 30 minutes to soak up the flavors. For more intense flavor, let them soak for up to 2 hours.
Step 3:: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, letting the excess syrup drain off. Spread the remaining granulated sugar and clear sparkling sugar (if using) in shallow bowls or plates. Gently roll the cranberries in the sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 4:: Place the candied cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray in a single layer. Let them dry for about 1-2 hours at room temperature. The sugar coating will harden as they dry.
Step 5:: Once dried, the Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve as a snack, dessert garnish, or holiday gift in jars.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Helpful Notes

Use fresh cranberries for the best results; frozen cranberries may not hold their shape as well.
Clear sparkling sugar adds an elegant, festive touch but is optional.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Ensure cranberries are evenly coated with syrup to maximize flavor absorption.
Experiment with other citrus zests like lemon or lime for a unique twist.

Candied Cranberries

Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are tart cranberries coated in a sweet orange-vanilla syrup and sugar. Perfect for holidays or gifting!

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

7 Minutes

Total Time

27 Minutes

By: Clare Greco

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 servings)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups fresh cranberries.

02 1 cup water.

03 1 cup granulated sugar, divided.

04 Zest and juice of 1 orange.

05 1 tsp vanilla extract.

06 1 cinnamon stick.

07 Additional granulated sugar (for coating).

08 Clear sparkling sugar (for coating, optional).

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and the cinnamon stick.

Step 02

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup is simmering. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 03

Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly. Remove the cinnamon stick.

Step 04

Add the cranberries to the syrup and gently stir to coat.

Step 05

Let the cranberries sit in the syrup for about 30 minutes to soak up the flavors. If you have time, let them soak longer (up to 2 hours) for a more intense flavor.

Step 06

After soaking, use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, letting the excess syrup drain off.

Step 07

Spread the remaining granulated sugar and clear sparkling sugar (if using) in shallow bowls or plates.

Step 08

Gently roll the cranberries in the sugar mixture, making sure they are fully coated.

Step 09

Place the candied cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray in a single layer.

Step 10

Let them dry for about 1-2 hours at room temperature. The sugar coating will harden as they dry.

Step 11

Once dried, the Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are ready to be enjoyed.

Step 12

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

These cranberries are perfect for snacking, adding to holiday desserts, or gifting in a jar.
The citrusy orange and warm vanilla flavors pair perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries.