This Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce is a super tasty way to brighten up your holiday meals! The tart cranberries mixed with a hint of cinnamon make it special and comforting.
Honestly, I can’t stop sneaking spoonfuls from the pot while it simmers—it’s that good! Pair it with turkey, or enjoy it on toast. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tangy flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, you can use frozen cranberries—just don’t thaw them first; add them directly to the pot.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works well, but if you want a healthier option, you can substitute honey or maple syrup. Just remember that these will add their own flavor.
Cinnamon: A cinnamon stick gives a warm, aromatic flavor, which I love! If you’re in a pinch, you could use 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead. Just know that the taste is a bit different.
Orange Zest: This is optional, but I think it brightens up the sauce beautifully! If you don’t have orange zest, lemon zest can also add a refreshing touch.
How Do I Make Sure My Cranberries Don’t Turn Mushy?
Cooking cranberries gently is the trick here! If you don’t want them mushy, try these tips:
- Simmer on medium-low heat and keep an eye on them. Cook just until they start to pop.
- Stir gently. If you want some texture, use a fork to mash a few of them instead of all.
- Cooling will help them thicken. Let your sauce cool before serving to keep it from getting too runny.
With these tips, you’ll make a cranberry sauce that’s perfectly sweet and tangy, with just the right texture! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Delicious Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional for brightness)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus some time to cool and thicken. Altogether, you should plan for about 30 minutes, including cooling time. Perfect to fit into your busy kitchen schedule!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Take a moment to pick out any soft or damaged berries that might spoil the sauce.
2. Make the Sugar Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the one cup of water with the granulated sugar. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.
3. Add Ingredients:
Now, toss in the rinsed cranberries, the cinnamon stick, and the optional orange zest and pinch of salt. Carefully stir everything together.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer—the cranberries will start to pop and soften up in about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally.
5. Adjust the Texture:
If you want a less chunky sauce, gently mash some of the cranberries with the back of a spoon as you stir. This adds a nice thickness to the sauce.
6. Final Touches:
Once the cranberries are soft, remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully take out the cinnamon stick, and if you like, stir in the ground cinnamon for some extra flavor.
7. Cool Down:
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. As it sits, it will thicken nicely! This is a great time to prepare any other dishes you need.
8. Chill and Serve:
Transfer your cooled cranberry sauce to a bowl and pop it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It tastes great chilled or at room temperature.
This simple homemade cinnamon cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, and it also works as a delightful spread for sandwiches and toast. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just add them directly to the pot without thawing. The cooking time may be a minute or two longer, but they’ll still turn out delicious.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the amount of sugar. Start with 3/4 cup of sugar instead of 1 cup, and taste as you cook. You can always add more if needed!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Sauce Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want an extra kick, add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg along with the ground cinnamon. This will add a warm, spiced depth to the sauce. Adjust according to your taste!