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Easy Homemade Cranberry Jelly Candies Recipe

These homemade Cranberry Jelly Candies are tart, chewy, and irresistibly sweet! With their vibrant color and sugar-coated finish, they make the perfect festive treat or homemade gift.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 49 -64 pieces
Course: Candy
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Nonstick spray for greasing tin and knife
  • 1 cup 240 ml cold cranberry juice
  • 35 g about 5 packets powdered gelatin
  • 3¼ cups 650 g granulated sugar (plus more for coating)
  • ¾ cup 180 ml boiling cranberry juice

Method
 

  1. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs. Grease generously with nonstick spray.
  2. In a pot, whisk cold cranberry juice with gelatin until smooth. Let bloom for 5 minutes.
  3. Add boiling cranberry juice and sugar. Stir to dissolve completely.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat. Cook until mixture reaches 225°F (107°C), about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove from heat, skim bubbles, and pour into prepared pan. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
  6. Unmold, coat cutting surface with sugar, and cut into squares. Roll each piece in sugar for coating.
  7. Dry candies at room temperature for 1–2 days to achieve a crunchy exterior. Store in airtight containers.

Notes

For vegan candies, replace gelatin with agar-agar. For a unique twist, substitute cranberry juice with pomegranate or apple cider. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a festive flavor variation.