Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries: A Festive Sweet Treat
Introduction
These Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are a deliciously festive treat, perfect for the holiday season! They offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with the added warmth of cinnamon, vanilla, and fresh orange zest. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, using them to garnish cocktails, or adding them to a holiday dessert, these sparkling cranberries are sure to impress. Best of all, they’re easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into the recipe for this beautiful, sparkly treat!
Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce bag of cranberries
- 1.75 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- Zest & juice of 1 orange (approximately 1/2 cup fresh juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 1.5 to 2 cups white sugar for coating (use 3 parts granulated sugar and 1 part clear sparkling sugar)
Directions
1. Prepare the Cranberries
- Begin by washing the cranberries thoroughly. Remove any stems and discard any damaged or soft cranberries.
- Place the cleaned cranberries in a large heat-safe bowl and set them aside.
2. Make the Simple Syrup
- In a 2-quart stockpot, combine 1.75 cups of water, the zest and juice of one orange, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and 1 whole cinnamon stick.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the syrup to cool for a few minutes. It should be warm but not too hot, as you want to avoid popping the cranberries.
3. Soak the Cranberries
- Pour the warm simple syrup, including the cinnamon stick, over the cranberries in the heat-safe bowl. Ensure that all the cranberries are fully submerged in the syrup.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberries overnight to let them absorb the flavors.
4. Add the Candy Coating
- After the cranberries have soaked, place a colander or fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl. Pour the cranberries into the colander and allow the syrup to drain. (You can reserve the syrup for holiday cocktails or other recipes.)
- Let the cranberries sit in the colander for 30 minutes to an hour until they become slightly tacky.
- Spread 1.5 to 2 cups of white sugar onto a sheet pan. For the best results, use a combination of 3 parts granulated sugar and 1 part clear sparkling sugar.
- Gently roll half of the cranberries in the sugar mixture, coating them evenly. Repeat with the remaining cranberries.
- Allow the cranberries to dry on the sheet pan for at least 3 hours, or until the sugar forms a crisp, sparkling shell around each cranberry.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus overnight chilling and drying)
- Servings: 10 servings
- Calories: 90 kcal per serving
Tips for Success
- Cooling the Syrup: Make sure the simple syrup is warm but not too hot before pouring it over the cranberries. Too much heat can cause the cranberries to burst.
- Sugar Coating: For an extra festive touch, use clear sparkling sugar along with granulated sugar. The sparkling sugar adds a beautiful, crystal-like finish to the cranberries.
- Serving Ideas: These candied cranberries are perfect as a garnish for cakes, cocktails, or even a festive cheese board. You can also enjoy them on their own as a sweet, tangy snack!
Final Thoughts
These Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries are a wonderful addition to your holiday recipes. With their glistening sugar coating and deliciously tart flavor, they bring a burst of freshness to any dish. The subtle notes of cinnamon and vanilla, combined with the brightness of the orange zest, create a festive and flavorful treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or adding a special touch to your desserts, these candied cranberries are sure to be a hit!
Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus overnight chilling and drying)
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
These Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries offer a delightful burst of citrusy sweetness, enhanced by the warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon. The crisp, sugary coating gives each cranberry a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains juicy and tart, making them an irresistible holiday treat.
Ingredients
1 12-ounce bag of cranberries
1.75 cups water
2 cups sugar
Zest & juice of 1 orange (approximately 1/2 cup fresh juice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 whole cinnamon stick
1.5 to 2 cups white sugar for coating (use 3 parts granulated sugar and 1 part clear sparkling sugar)
Instructions
Prepare the cranberries:
Wash the cranberries and remove any stems or bad cranberries.
Place the remaining cranberries in a heat-safe bowl.
Make the Simple Syrup:
In a 2-quart stockpot, combine 1.75 cups of water, the zest and juice of one orange, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and one cinnamon stick.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. It should be warm but not hot enough to pop the cranberries.
Soak the Cranberries:
Pour the simple syrup mixture, including the cinnamon stick, over the cranberries. Ensure all the cranberries are submerged.
Refrigerate overnight.
Add the Candy Coating:
Place a colander or fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl and pour the cranberries into the colander, allowing the syrup to drain into the bowl.
Let the cranberries sit in the colander for 30 minutes to an hour until they become slightly tacky. Reserve the simple syrup for holiday cocktails or other recipes.
Spread 1.5 to 2 cups of white sugar onto a sheet pan.
Gently roll half of the cranberries in the sugar, coating them evenly. Repeat with the remaining cranberries, ensuring an even layer.
Leave the cranberries out to dry for at least 3 hours, until the sugar forms a crisp shell around each one.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 90