Zesty Orange-Vanilla Glazed Cranberries Recipe: Sweet Bliss

Sweet, tangy orange vanilla candied cranberries dance with festive charm and bright winter flavors.

These jewel-toned gems sparkle with a delicate sugar coating that captures the essence of holiday magic.

Fresh cranberries soak up zesty orange and warm vanilla notes, creating a sophisticated treat that elevates any dessert or cheese board.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tart and sweet sensations that surprise the palate.

The simple preparation belies the complex flavor profile waiting to unfold.

Guests will marvel at these elegant, homemade delicacies that look professionally crafted.

Let these candied cranberries become your secret weapon for stunning seasonal entertaining.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 84 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries

• Cranberries: Tart berries that provide the core flavor and texture, choose plump and firm cranberries with bright red color and no soft spots.
• Orange: Fresh orange adds bright citrusy notes and natural sweetness, select ripe, heavy oranges with smooth skin for maximum juice and zest.

• Sugar, White Sugar: Creates glossy syrup and candied coating, use fine granulated sugar for smooth dissolution and consistent sweetness.
• Sparkling Sugar: Adds delightful crystal-like crunch and elegant shimmer to the final candied cranberries, select clear or white varieties for pristine appearance.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, round depth and sophisticated undertone, choose pure vanilla extract for authentic rich flavor.
• Cinnamon Stick: Provides subtle warm spice and aromatic complexity, select whole stick for deeper infusion and easy removal.

• Water: Essential for creating syrup and hydrating cranberries, use filtered water for clean taste.

Tools That Make Candied Cranberries a Breeze

• Stockpot: 2-quart size for creating sweet orange-vanilla syrup.
• Heat-safe bowl: Large enough to hold cranberries and receive hot syrup.
• Fine-mesh sieve or colander: Essential for draining cranberries and catching excess syrup.
• Sheet pan: Needed for sugar coating process and drying cranberries.
• Measuring cups: Accurate for measuring water, sugar, and ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Perfect for precise vanilla extract measurement.
• Zester or grater: Used to extract orange zest smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for stirring syrup and mixing cranberries.

How to Prepare Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries

• Cranberry Preparation

Fresh cranberries carefully sorted and cleaned, removing any damaged or imperfect berries.

• Flavor Infusion

Orange zest, vanilla, and sugar combined in a pot to create a fragrant syrup with warm cinnamon undertones.

• Syrup Creation

Liquid mixture gently heated until smooth and slightly thickened, releasing deep aromatic essences.

• Berry Soaking

Cranberries submerged in warm syrup, allowing each fruit to absorb complex flavor profiles overnight in refrigerator.

• Draining Process

Berries carefully separated from excess liquid using fine strainer, allowing natural moisture to release.

• Sugar Coating

Berries rolled delicately in white sugar, creating a sparkling crystallized exterior that adds sweet crunch.

• Drying Stage

Sugared cranberries resting at room temperature, transforming into delicate jewel-like treats with crisp outer shells.

Ideal Tips for Candied Cranberries

• Save the leftover orange-vanilla syrup for drizzling over pancakes, mixing into cocktails, or using as a glaze for holiday desserts.
• Pat cranberries gently with paper towels before sugar coating to help the sugar stick more evenly and create a perfect crisp exterior.
• Keep candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing their delightful crunch.
• Experiment with different sugar types like raw turbinado or flavored sugars like lavender or cinnamon to add unique dimensions to your candied cranberries.
• Package these sparkling treats in small clear jars with ribbon for a gorgeous homemade holiday gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes absolutely delicious.

Ways to Serve Orange Vanilla Cranberries

• Festive Holiday Garnish: Sprinkle these sparkling orange-vanilla cranberries atop desserts like cheesecake, pies, or holiday puddings for a vibrant and tangy decoration that adds elegance and zest.
• Cocktail Companion: Drop these candied cranberries into champagne, prosecco, or festive martinis to create stunning drink presentations with a sweet-tart burst of flavor that will impress guests.
• Gourmet Cheese Plate Accent: Place these sugared cranberries alongside soft brie, sharp cheddar, or creamy goat cheese for a sophisticated appetizer that balances rich dairy with bright, sweet-tart notes.
• Winter Salad Topper: Scatter these glazed cranberries over mixed green salads with goat cheese and candied pecans to elevate a simple dish with unexpected texture and complex citrusy undertones.

Keep Candied Cranberries Sweet and Fresh

• Tasty Storage Tricks: Keep candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, ensuring they remain crisp and delightful.
• Sweet Syrup Bonus: Store the reserved orange-vanilla syrup in a sealed glass jar inside the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, perfect for cocktails, drizzling over desserts, or adding flavor to tea.
• Freezing Magic: Carefully layer candied cranberries between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They'll maintain their delicious texture for approximately 2 months when frozen properly.
• Quick Serving Suggestions: Create elegant garnishes for holiday desserts, sprinkle over salads, add to cheese platters, or use as colorful cocktail decorations to elevate your culinary presentations.

Delightful Orange Vanilla Candied Cranberries Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Cranberry lovers will adore this orange vanilla candied cranberries recipe that combines zesty citrus with sweet vanilla notes. Home cooks can easily create these festive garnishes perfect for desserts, cocktails, and holiday snacking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) cranberries
• 1 orange zest
• 1 orange juice (0.5 cup or 120 mL fresh juice)
• 2 cups (400 g) sugar
• 1.75 cups (420 mL) water
• 1.5 to 2 cups (300 to 400 g) white sugar for coating (mixture of granulated and clear sparkling sugar in 3:1 ratio)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 whole cinnamon stick

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously inspect and cleanse cranberries, removing any damaged or stemmed fruits, then transfer to a heat-resistant container.
2. Syrup Creation: In a 2-quart stockpot, combine water, orange zest and juice, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a robust boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, simmering 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Maceration: Remove pot from heat, allowing syrup to cool slightly. Pour warm syrup over cranberries, ensuring complete coverage, and include cinnamon stick. Seal container and refrigerate overnight to intensify flavor infusion.
4. Draining and Coating: Position colander over a large bowl, transferring infused cranberries to drain excess syrup. Let berries rest 30-60 minutes to develop a tacky surface. Spread white sugar across a sheet pan and gently roll cranberries to achieve an even, glistening sugar coating.
5. Crystallization: Allow sugar-encrusted cranberries to air-dry at room temperature for approximately three hours, creating a crisp, crystalline exterior that transforms the fruits into sparkling culinary delights.

Notes

• Fruit Selection: Choose plump, firm, and vibrant red cranberries without blemishes for the best texture and flavor intensity.
• Sugar Coating Technique: Roll cranberries gently in sugar to create an even, delicate crystalline exterior without crushing the fragile fruit.
• Temperature Control: Maintain gentle heat when simmering syrup to prevent burning and preserve the delicate orange-vanilla essence.
• Storage Wisdom: Store candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, keeping their crisp sugar coating intact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 84
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg