Easy Sparkling Rosemary Sugared Cranberries: Perfect Holiday Treat
These sparkling rosemary sugared cranberries are the easiest, most impressive holiday treat. Tart cranberries meet sweet, crunchy sugar with a subtle woodsy rosemary aroma—perfect for cocktail garnishes, dessert toppers, cheese boards, or snacking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including drying time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup water
- 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water, discarding any soft or bruised ones. Pat completely dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Spread on a towel and let air dry for about 10 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Add 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let it boil (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove saucepan from heat and let rosemary steep in warm syrup for 5 minutes. Remove rosemary sprigs with tongs. Let syrup cool for about 5 minutes until warm but not hot.
- Add cranberries to warm syrup and stir gently to coat. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, stirring once or twice. Do not exceed 5 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let drain for about 10 minutes until tacky but not wet.
- Place remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a shallow dish. Working in batches, add tacky cranberries and gently roll until completely coated.
- Transfer sugar-coated cranberries back to wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Let dry completely, about 1-2 hours at room temperature.
- Once dry, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
Do not boil the syrup; just warm it to dissolve sugar. Cranberries must be completely dry before starting. The tacky stage is key for sugar coating. For stronger rosemary flavor, steep up to 10 minutes. In humid climates, use a fan to speed drying. Leftover syrup can be used in cocktails or over pancakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 19
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: sugared cranberries, rosemary cranberries, holiday treat, easy holiday recipe, sparkling cranberries, cranberry garnish