Cranberries, with their ruby-red hue and tangy burst of tart flavor, have always been a staple at my holiday gatherings. There’s just something about their vibrant color and zingy taste that feels so celebratory!
But when I coat them in a luscious layer of rich, velvety chocolate? Oh, they’re instantly transformed into a treat that’s not only indulgent but also incredibly elegant. The best part? They’re super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Let me show you how!
Chocolate Covered Cranberries A Special Holiday Treat
I love to keep chocolate-covered cranberries on hand during the holidays—they’re such an easy and unique treat to serve to guests. Fresh cranberries bring a vibrant pop of color and a tangy burst of flavor, while the chocolate—whether it’s semi-sweet, dark, milk, or even white—adds a touch of indulgence. The best part? These treats are a healthier dessert option compared to sugar-packed candies, thanks to the natural antioxidants in both the cranberries and the chocolate.
Let me walk you through a step-by-step guide to making these bite-sized wonders. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll end up with a batch of chocolate-covered cranberries that are delicious and perfect for snacking or sharing as a gift for friends. By the end, you’ll see why these little gems are a must-have during the holidays.
If you’re looking for more delightful cranberry-inspired recipes, here are a few to try! This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip combines the tartness of cranberries with spicy jalapeños for a sweet and spicy appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. For a quick and festive option, the Cranberry Salsa with Cream Cheese is a 5-minute dip bursting with flavor. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Pistachio Cranberry Cookies offer a delightful mix of chewy dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios, perfect for cookie swaps. And for an elegant appetizer, try the Best Savory Baked Brie with Cranberry Jam—a creamy, nutty, sweet-and-savory dish that’s always a hit with guests. Each of these recipes makes cranberries shine in their own special way!
Ingredients Needed and Buying Tips
To create the perfect chocolate-covered cranberries, choosing the right ingredients is key. Here’s what to look for when shopping:
- Fresh Cranberries: Select firm, plump, and vibrant red berries, avoiding any that are bruised or soft. Opt for resealable bags or check bulk cranberries for freshness and mold.
- Chocolate Chips: Pick smooth, rich chocolate with cocoa butter as a key ingredient. For dark chocolate lovers, go for high cocoa content; for a sweeter treat, choose milk or white chocolate.
- Vegetable Shortening or Coconut Oil: Use neutral-flavored shortening or refined coconut oil for a subtle touch, ensuring it’s fresh and stored properly.
📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chocolate Choices: While dark chocolate provides a rich contrast to the tartness of cranberries, using milk or white chocolate results in a sweeter, creamier treat. For a unique twist, consider layering different chocolates—dip the cranberries in dark chocolate, let them set, and then drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant look.
- Textural Additions: Sprinkling sea salt over freshly dipped cranberries balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor. Crushed nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, can also be added for a satisfying crunch.
- Spiced Chocolate: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper into the melted chocolate to introduce a warm, spicy note that complements the tartness of the cranberries.
How To Make Chocolate Covered Cranberries
How To Prepare Cranberries For Dipping
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pat them completely dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Chocolate won’t stick to wet cranberries, so ensure they’re moisture-free. Sort out any bruised, soft, or shriveled berries, keeping only firm, fresh ones. For a quicker chocolate setting, chill the cranberries in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before dipping.
1
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and a small amount of vegetable shortening or coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and continue heating in 20-30 second intervals, stirring each time, until mostly melted. Stir until smooth and glossy, being careful not to overheat.
2
Dip Cranberries
Use a fork to dip a few cranberries at a time into the melted chocolate, coating them completely. Tap the fork on the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate, then place the cranberries on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. If you prefer, you could use a wooden skewer, poke a cranberry on end, and dip them one by one.
3
Chill Chocolate Dipped Cranberries
Let the cranberries sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or refrigerate to speed up the process. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or share!
Gina’s Tips For Recipe Sucess
- Properly Prep: I’ve found that the key to making delicious chocolate-covered cranberries is all in the prep. Before I get started, I always rinse the cranberries well and pat them completely dry. This little step ensures the chocolate sticks beautifully. I also like to sort through the batch and set aside any cranberries that aren’t as firm or fresh-looking—only the best make the cut!
- Don’t Rush: When it comes to the chocolate, I melt it slowly in the microwave, stirring every 20-30 seconds to avoid overheating. This keeps it smooth and silky. A little trick I love is adding a small dab of coconut oil or vegetable shortening—it gives the chocolate a glossy, professional-looking finish.
- Use Proper Tools: For dipping, a dinner fork works wonderfully to coat each cranberry evenly. Simply drop a cranberry into the melted chocolate and use the fork to roll it around, ensuring it’s fully coated. Once coated, lift the cranberry out of the chocolate with the fork, letting the tines catch any excess. Gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl and give it a slight tilt or twirl to help smooth out the coating. Finally, slide the cranberry off the fork onto a sheet of wax or parchment paper to harden.
- Chill The Cranberries: Slightly chilling the cranberries before dipping can make a big difference. The colder surface helps the chocolate set more quickly and gives you a flawless coating, especially on warmer days when chocolate tends to be fussier.
Yes, chocolate-covered cranberries can be a healthier treat when enjoyed in moderation. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which support overall health and may help boost your immune system. When paired with dark chocolate—another antioxidant powerhouse—they become a snack that’s both indulgent and nutritious.
Dip the cranberries twice, letting the first layer of chocolate set before dipping them again.
Making Ahead and Storage
This little sweet treat is easy to make ahead for parties during the holidays because they store beautifully. For short-term storage, I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge layered betwween sheets of parchment paper for up to a week.
When I want to save them for longer than a week, freezing is the way to go. I arrange the chocolate-covered cranberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch. Then, I pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours until they’re solid.
Once frozen, I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months this way. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I just take out what I need and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
More Similar Recipes
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Fresh Chocolate-Covered Cranberries Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberries, fresh
- 2 cups chocolate chips, semi-sweet, dark, milk, or white
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil, or vegetable shortening
Instructions
Prepare the Cranberries:
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them completely dry. Chocolate will not adhere properly to wet cranberries, so ensure they are moisture-free.2 cups cranberries
- Remove any bruised, soft, or shriveled cranberries. Use only firm, fresh berries for dipping.
- Place the cranberries in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before dipping. Cold cranberries can help the chocolate set faster and create a firm coating.
Melt the Chocolate:
- Add the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening (or coconut oil) to a microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is mostly melted. Stir until completely smooth, being careful not to overheat.2 teaspoons coconut oil, 2 cups chocolate chips
Dip the Cranberries:
- Drop a cranberry into the melted chocolate and use a dinner fork to roll it around, ensuring it's fully coated. Once coated, lift the cranberry out of the chocolate with the fork, letting the tines catch any excess. Gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl and give it a slight tilt or twirl to help smooth out the coating. Finally, slide the cranberry off the fork using another fork's tines onto a sheet of wax or parchment paper to harden.
- Place the coated cranberries on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
Set the Chocolate:
- Let the cranberries dry at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or place them in the refrigerator for quicker setting.
Notes
- Smooth Chocolate: The shortening or coconut oil ensures smooth, easy-to-dip chocolate don’t skip it.
- Chocolate Options: Try different types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet, milk, dark, or white, to suit your taste.
