Get ready to dazzle by heating water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved to make a simple syrup. Do not boil!
Take the syrup off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Once slightly cooled, fold in your cranberries, ensuring they’re all well coated. Cover, refrigerate, and let them soak up that sweet magic for at least an hour or overnight if possible.
Drain the cranberries (but keep that yummy syrup for another recipe if you want to get creative later).
It’s time for sparkle central! Roll those cranberries in a shallow dish filled with the remaining sugar, making sure they’re sparkly and fully coated.
Spread them out on a lined baking sheet and let them dry for at least an hour at room temp. Now, they’re ready for your snacking pleasure or as a stunning garnish.
Sugared cranberries can be enjoyed as a sweet snack on their own or used as a beautiful garnish for holiday desserts and cocktails.
Consider using the reserved simple syrup in cocktails, drizzled over pancakes, or in salad dressings for an extra hint of sweetness.
Store any leftover sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for the best taste and texture.