Description
These homemade cranberry jelly candies are chewy, tart, and sweet little squares that sparkle with sugar and burst with real fruit flavor. Perfect for gifting or snacking year-round.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (about 3 packets)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup extra granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries and water. Simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until the cranberries burst and soften.
- Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Mash the mixture or blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve back into the saucepan to remove skins and pulp.
- Stir in lemon juice. Sprinkle gelatin over the warm cranberry mixture and stir constantly over low heat until completely dissolved and smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once fully set, lift the jelly out, cut into small squares, and roll each piece in granulated sugar to coat.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and natural pectin.
- Wait to roll the candy in sugar until just before serving to prevent it from dissolving.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Dip your knife in hot water before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry jelly candy, homemade fruit candy, chewy cranberry sweets, holiday candy recipe, cranberry treats