There’s something almost magical about a bowl of sugared cranberries in December. The way they glisten under warm holiday lights, coated in delicate sparkling sugar, makes them look like tiny frosted jewels straight out of a snowy winter scene. They’re the kind of treat that instantly brings a cozy festive feeling to any dessert table — simple, whimsical, and full of holiday charm.
These vegan sugared cranberries are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a satisfying sugar-crunch on the outside and a juicy pop on the inside. They’re as delicious as they are beautiful, and they add an effortless touch of holiday sparkle to everything from cakes and cupcakes to charcuterie boards, cocktails, and breakfast bakes. Whether you’re decorating a vegan cheesecake or topping a warm cinnamon French toast bake, these cranberries take everything to the next level.
What makes this recipe even more special is how incredibly easy it is. With just a handful of ingredients — fresh cranberries, sugar, and water — you can create a festive garnish that looks bakery-quality but takes almost no time at all. It’s one of those cozy holiday kitchen moments that feels fun, relaxing, and rewarding without the stress of complicated steps.
And while they’re beautiful enough for Christmas Eve or holiday parties, these sparkling cranberries are also wonderful for winter baking in general. They store well, stay crunchy, and bring a little burst of brightness to the colder, darker months. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make every holiday season — and one that quickly becomes a yearly tradition.
⭐ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Sweet, tart, and incredibly refreshing
- Only a few simple vegan ingredients
- Bakery-style look with almost no effort
- Stunning topping for desserts, drinks, and holiday boards
- Perfect make-ahead festive treat
- Adds instant cozy winter magic to any recipe
Vegan Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract or 1 cinnamon stick (for flavored syrup)
Instructions
Step 1 — Make the simple syrup
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Heat water and sugar in a pot until the sugar fully dissolves.
Step 2 — Add cranberries
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Stir the cranberries into the warm syrup until they’re fully coated, then remove from heat.
Step 3 — Transfer to a drying rack
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries and place them on a parchment-lined rack. Let them dry for 30–40 minutes until tacky.
Step 4 — Roll in sugar
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Gently toss the tacky cranberries in a bowl of sugar until fully coated and sparkling.
Step 5 — Let them set
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Allow the sugared cranberries to rest for 10 minutes so the coating firms up.
Note
TIPS
- Let the cranberries dry until sticky — not wet — for the perfect sugar coating
- Use superfine sugar for the most sparkly finish
- Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days
- Add flavored syrup (vanilla, cinnamon, orange peel) for subtle festive notes
- Use as a topping for cakes, drinks, pancakes, and dessert boards
