Description
These Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are a delightful sweet and tart treat perfect for holiday garnish, cocktails, or snacking. Fresh cranberries are soaked in a fragrant syrup made with orange zest and juice, vanilla, and cinnamon, then rolled in sugar for a sparkling, flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
For Coating
- Additional granulated sugar for coating
- Clear sparkling sugar (optional, for extra sparkle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 1 cup granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick.
- Simmer the Syrup: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Allow the syrup to reach a gentle simmer and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cool and Remove Cinnamon: Remove the saucepan from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and let the syrup cool slightly.
- Soak Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to the warm syrup and stir gently to coat them. Let the cranberries soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor infusion.
- Drain Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drain off.
- Coat with Sugar: Spread additional granulated sugar and optional clear sparkling sugar on a shallow plate. Roll the drained cranberries in the sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Dry the Cranberries: Place the sugar-coated cranberries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them dry at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
- Storage: Once dried, store the candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best results; frozen cranberries may become mushy.
- Adjust soaking times for a milder or more intense flavor.
- Clear sparkling sugar adds an elegant sparkle but is optional.
- The candied cranberries are great for garnishing desserts, cocktails, or enjoying as a sweet snack.
