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You know those recipes that make you look like you tried really hard… even though you absolutely didn’t? This Cozy Citrus Cranberry Sauce is one of them. It comes together so quickly that by the time you set the table, it’s basically ready — and every single time I make it, someone asks for the “secret.” Spoiler: there isn’t one.
What I love most is how dependable it is. A few dried cranberries, a splash of citrus, a little warmth from the cinnamon — that’s all you need. It turns into this bright, cozy sauce that somehow works with everything. My family loves it, friends ask for it, and it’s one of those sides I keep coming back to because it’s effortless and always a hit.
If you’ve been looking for a simple homemade touch that makes the whole meal feel a little more special, this is it. And yes — it really is as easy as it sounds. So come with me, and I’ll show you how to make this delicious sauce in no time at all.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Flavor Profile: Bright, citrusy, gently sweet, warm from the cinnamon
- Why It Works: Dried cranberries hydrate beautifully, creating a rich texture without thickeners
What You’ll Need for this cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries (120g)
- ¼ cup sugar (50g)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 orange, freshly squeezed (about ½ cup / 120ml)
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Dash of salt
Helpful Tools
Prep & Cook
Step 01
Add the dried cranberries, sugar, lemon zest, orange juice, water, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan.
Step 02
Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes until the cranberries soften and plump up. Take 2 tablespoons of the sauce, blend, and return it to the pot to help thicken naturally.
Step 03
Give it a quick stir — your cranberry sauce is ready to serve.
Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours
- Sweetness level: Feel free to add an extra tablespoon of sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Extra citrus: A touch more lemon zest adds brightness without extra acidity.
- Texture control: Blend more if you like it smoother, or leave it chunky and rustic.
- Make it ahead: This sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some Mamy & Me recipes that pair beautifully with your cranberry sauce:
Put Your Spin on It
- Add ginger: A tiny pinch of fresh ginger brings a cozy kick.
- Make it spiced: Add a clove or two for a deeper holiday vibe.
- Go orange-forward: Swap lemon zest for more orange zest for a sweeter, softer profile.
Tasty Thoughts
This sauce has officially joined my “why didn’t I make this sooner?” list. It’s easy, it behaves, and it always shows up looking delicious. If you try it, you’ll see exactly why my family doesn’t let me skip it anymore. Honestly, once you have a jar of this in the fridge, everything you pair it with feels a little more special.
Common Questions
Can I use unsweetened dried cranberries?
Yes — just add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger saucepan and keep the same cooking time.
How long does it keep?
Up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Nutrition Note
Curious about calories or carbs for this cranberry sauce? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to consult a registered nutritionist.
Print
Easy and Cozy Citrus Cranberry Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bright, quick, citrusy cranberry sauce made with dried cranberries — cozy, effortless, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries (120g)
- 1/4 cup sugar (50g)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 orange, freshly squeezed (about 1/2 cup / 120ml)
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- Add dried cranberries, sugar, lemon zest, orange juice, water, cinnamon stick, and salt to a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 5–10 minutes until cranberries soften.
- Blend 2 tablespoons of the sauce and return to the pot for natural thickening. Stir and serve.
Notes
Adjust sweetness as needed.
Add more lemon zest for extra brightness.
Blend more or less depending on preferred texture.
Keeps up to 5 days refrigerated.
These nutrition values are rough estimates based on common ingredients. For medical or dietary advice, it’s always best to consult a registered nutritionist or healthcare provider.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauces, Butters & Flavors
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 60 g
- Calories: 102
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keep Cooking With Us
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Happy Cooking
🧡Mary and Fabi
