Description
Lemon-Kissed Cranberries are a delightful, tangy-sweet treat made by coating fresh cranberries with a fragrant lemon syrup and sugar. This easy recipe transforms tart cranberries into sparkling, candied gems perfect as a festive garnish, snack, or topping for salads and cocktails.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon Syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Cranberries
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and dried)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the lemon syrup: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup sugar, lemon juice, water, and lemon zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is just warm, making sure not to let it boil. Then remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly.
- Coat the cranberries: Place the cranberries in a mixing bowl. Pour the warm lemon syrup evenly over them and gently stir to coat all berries. Allow the cranberries to sit for 10–15 minutes so they absorb the citrus flavor.
- Drain excess syrup: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries onto a wire rack or a tray lined with parchment paper. Let any excess syrup drip off for about 20–30 minutes until the berries become tacky but not overly wet.
- Roll in sugar: Once tacky, roll the cranberries in the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar until they are thoroughly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a tray to dry.
- Dry the cranberries: Let the sugared cranberries dry at room temperature for at least 1 hour. This allows the sugar coating to set, creating a sparkling finish perfect for garnish or snacking.
Notes
- These sparkling lemon-kissed cranberries make an elegant garnish for desserts and cocktails or a festive snack on their own.
- Store them in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the syrup is warm, not hot, when coating cranberries to avoid softening them too much.
- If desired, use lime zest and juice as an alternative citrus twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Garnish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
