Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries

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!

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