Candied Cranberries (Crunchy, Sweet-Tart & Totally Addictive!)

Posted on January 12, 2026

This delightful Candied Cranberries (Crunchy, Sweet-Tart & Totally Addictive!) comes together in about 30 minutes and involves a bit of baking for a quick and easy treat that your family will love! Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or just want to have a sweet snack on hand, these cranberries are the perfect addition to your repertoire. Plus, feel free to switch up the flavors by experimenting with different juices or sodas, it’s a wonderful way to use what you have lying around!

Ingredient Breakdown

12 oz fresh cranberries
12 oz Sprite or 7Up soda (zero sugar or diet work, too!)
1 cup orange juice
4 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Candied Cranberries

Alright, friends, let’s get cooking!

Rinse the Berries : Pour the cranberries into a colander and rinse them under cold water. Seriously, give them a good wash! Pick out any that have blemishes or feel soft, your goal is to keep the good ones!
Soak the Gold : Place your cleaned cranberries into a medium bowl and pour enough of your sweet soda over them to fully cover. This is where the magic begins! Let them soak for at least an hour, or if you’re feeling adventurous, overnight for an extra strong flavor.
Drain & Prepare : After soaking, use a colander or a slotted spoon to drain off the liquid, leaving the cranberries glossy and wet. Give them a little shake, but don’t pat them dry, this stickiness is what helps the powdered sugar cling!
Sugar, Sugar : Toss the cranberries into a gallon zip-top bag, or if you’re feeling fancy, a clean, dry bowl. Now, add a mountain of powdered sugar. Yes, I mean a lot! Gently shake or stir until each berry gets a snowy coat. If it seems like they’re soaking up all the sugar (which they might start doing), just go ahead and add more until they’re densely coated.
Bake to Perfection : Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the sugar-coated cranberries in a single layer. Preheat your oven to 350°F and pop them in for about 5 minutes. We want them crispy, not mushy, so keep an eye on them!
Cool Down : Once they come out, let them cool completely on the parchment. The best part? As they cool, that powdered sugar turns into a crunchy, crackly candy shell. So good!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Candied Cranberries recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for when you’re in a pinch or need a last-minute treat!

Customizable

The beauty of this recipe is you can switch up the flavors and ingredients. Don’t have orange juice? Use apple cider! Cranberries are versatile, and you can make this your own with whatever you have in your pantry.

Crowd-Pleaser

These little beauties will be the star of your holiday gatherings, trust me! Everyone will want a taste, and you might want to double the batch!

Budget-Friendly

Cranberries usually come at a reasonable price and it’s loaded with affordable ingredients. You won’t require much, making it easy on your wallet while still impressing your guests.

Comfort Food

There’s something so comforting about homemade snacks, right? And these Candied Cranberries pack a sweet-tart punch that’s absolutely fantastic!

Personal Connection

Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I’m looking to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen. I’m a real sucker for that balance of crunchy sweetness mixed with a slight tartness from the cranberries. It feels festive and cozy all at once! And the best part is, you can whip these up with whatever you’ve got. If you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these sweet little gems are always a hit around here!

If you loved this Candied Cranberries, be sure to check out my Summer Fruit Tart, my Deviled Eggs, or my Shamrock Mint Milkshake Pie for more deliciousness!

Serving & Storage

What to Serve With These Cranberries

They’re practically perfect on their own, but think about tossing them onto salads for a pop of flavor, mixing into yogurt, or even using as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cheesecake. And, oh, how great would they be on a cheese board?!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep for about a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long!

Reheating

For best results, enjoy them straight out of the fridge and crunch away. No reheating required!

Freezer Friendly

These Candied Cranberries can also be frozen! Just ensure they’re in a sealed bag and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

Tips for Success

Don’t Skip the Soaking

Soaking cranberries changes everything! It helps infuse them with flavor and ensures the sugar sticks properly.

Keep an Eye on the Oven

They only need a short bake to get that perfect sugar coating, so keep your peepers on ’em!

Explore Different Flavors

Get creative with the liquids! Use bubbly drinks like ginger ale or even sparkling cider for a surprise twist.

Feel Free to Adjust Sugar

Don’t be shy about the amount of powdered sugar! More is more in this case, if you like them sweeter, go wild!

Watch for Crunchiness

As they cool, they may seem soft, but don’t worry, just give them a bit of time and they will turn crunchy!

So, there you have it, your new favorite go-to recipe for Candied Cranberries! I can’t wait for you to enjoy these crunchy, sweet-tart bites as much as I do. They’ll become a staple in your home, turning any moment into a celebration of flavor, a true testament that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most delightful!

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