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Easy Quick Sugared Cranberry Garland for Holiday Boards

quick sugared cranberry garland - featured image

Transform your holiday board into a festive centerpiece with this quick and easy sugared cranberry garland. Made with just three ingredients and minimal active time, it’s a stunning garnish that looks like it took hours of work.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
  • 2 large egg whites (or 3 tablespoons aquafaba for vegan)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cranberries in a colander under cold water. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry. Let them air dry for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites and water until frothy, about 30 seconds. If using aquafaba, whisk 3 tablespoons until foamy.
  3. Add the dried cranberries to the egg white mixture and gently stir with a spatula or your hands until every cranberry is coated with a thin, even layer.
  4. Pour the sugar into a shallow bowl or onto a plate. Working in batches, transfer a handful of coated cranberries to the sugar and gently roll them around until completely covered.
  5. Place the sugar-coated cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. To speed up drying, set up a small fan to blow gently over them for about 20 minutes, or place them in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes with the door slightly ajar. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for about 1 hour.
  6. Once the cranberries are dry to the touch, thread a needle with about 2 feet of kitchen twine or thread. Tie a knot at the end. Gently push the needle through the center of each cranberry, spacing them about an inch apart. Leave about 6 inches of thread at the end for tying.
  7. Let the garland set for 15-20 minutes to allow the sugar to fully harden before moving or serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure cranberries are completely dry before coating to prevent sugar from dissolving. Work in small batches when coating in sugar to avoid clumping. If sugar softens after storage, revive in a 200°F oven for 5 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; do not refrigerate.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugared cranberries, cranberry garland, holiday board, easy holiday recipe, quick garnish, festive decoration