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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Easy Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberries Recipe

    Published: Nov 20, 2023 by Sarah Jenkins. This post may contain affiliate links. See the Privacy Policy at the bottom of this page.

    Jump to Recipe

    Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberries use just 3 ingredients and are a delicious treat to serve during the holidays! Fresh tart cranberries are coated with a rich dark chocolate - perfect for snacking or gifting! 

    jar of chocolate covered cranberries on tray with red ribbon draped across it.

    Looking for an easy and delicious activity to do with your family? These chocolate covered cranberries are a fun way to spend an afternoon. Their a delicious snack during the holiday season and are great on their own, or served as a topping for your favorite ice cream! They also make a great holiday gift!

    In This Post
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredients​
    • How To Make Chocolate Covered Cranberries:
    • Variations And Substitutions:
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Easy Holiday Snacks
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Delicious. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between the tartness of fresh cranberries and the indulgent richness of dark chocolate. The addition of coconut oil ensures a smooth and glossy chocolate coating, making each bite a party for your taste buds. 
    • Great holiday snack. These chocolate-covered cranberries are delicious and loaded with flavor - they literally pop in your mouth when you bite them.
    • Good holiday gift option. Presented in a pretty jar with a ribbon, these make a great holiday gift or hostess gift. 
    • Fun for kids. These chocolate covered cranberries are incredibly easy to make and perfect for little hands. Get your elves busy in the kitchen with this fun recipe. 
    • Healthy. While I love holiday food (cookies are my downfall!), it's nice to have these little sweet and tart nuggets on hand for a healthy snack, while still staying in the holiday spirit. 
    jar of chocolate covered cranberries on tray with red ribbon draped across it.

    Ingredients​

    ​We're using super simple ingredients for this easy chocolate covered cranberry recipe

    ingredients for chocolate covered cranberries on countertop.
    • Coconut oil. This helps thin the chocolate a bit and makes it easier to dip the cranberries in.
    • Fresh cranberries. Don't use frozen cranberries here - they tend to get a bit soggy once thawed. Fresh cranberries are best. 
    • Dark chocolate chips. I opted for dark chocolate here since it's a bit healthier and I like the richer taste, but feel free to use semisweet or milk chocolate if you prefer. 

    How To Make Chocolate Covered Cranberries:

    Prep your materials. You'll want to have everything ready to go before you begin dipping the cranberries. Prepare a large baking sheet by placing wax paper over the top.

    Melt the chocolate. Add the coconut oil with the dark chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl and melt in the microwave on low heat for 1 minute, stopping every 5-10 seconds to stir the chocolate.

    fresh cranberries and melted chocolate on countertop.

    Dip. Using a toothpick, prick each cranberry, then carefully dip the cranberry into the melted chocolate mixture. Set on the prepared baking sheet. Carefully remove the toothpick from the cranberry and use it to pierce the remaining cranberries for dipping. 

    cranberry being dipped in chocolate sauce.

    Cool in the fridge. Place the baking sheet with the chocolate-dipped cranberries into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

    Serve and store. Remove from the refrigerator and serve immediately, or store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

    Variations And Substitutions:

    • Switch out the chocolate. Try using milk chocolate or white chocolate for a slightly different flavor.
    • Add a festive coating. Experiment with different coatings, such as crushed nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, festive sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate, to add a personalized touch.
    • Use dried cranberries. Not a fan of the tart taste of fresh cranberries? Use dried instead!
    jar of chocolate covered cranberries on tray with red ribbon draped across it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use frozen cranberries for this?

    Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe. Frozen cranberries tend to get soft and a bit mushy when thawed.

    Can I use other fruits instead of cranberries?

    Of course! While cranberries bring a unique tartness, you can experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.

    How do I store these chocolate-covered cranberries?

    Allow the chocolate covered cranberries to harden fully, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay fresh for at least a week, likely longer making them a convenient make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings.

    In fact, I think these get a bit better a couple of day after making them. Giving the cranberries a little time to mellow makes them a bit less tart and they will taste a bit sweeter.

    How can I make these less tart?

    Fresh cranberries can taste quite tart. If these taste too bitter for you right after making them, pop them in the fridge and wait 4-5 days and then try them. Allowing them to hang out in your cold refrigerator will allow them to start fermenting and become sweeter, making this snack a bit more mellow.

    How long do chocolate covered cranberries last?

    These should last for at least a week in the refrigerator.

    Can I use artificial food coloring for a more vibrant look?

    There's really no need to, unless you're using white chocolate. For this recipe, the rich dark chocolate already provides a stunning contrast to the cranberries. Plus, using natural ingredients keeps these treats wholesome.

    These little bursts of flavor are a delicious snack to enjoy during the holidays and a fun activity to do with the whole family. 

    jar of chocolate covered cranberries on tray with red ribbon draped across it.

    If you try these delicious Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberries, let me know what you think in the comments below. And if you do make this recipe, tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on Instagram so I can see your masterpiece!

    More Easy Holiday Snacks

    • Maple Toasted Walnuts
    • Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips With Maple Tahini Dip
    • Homemade Soft Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
    • Easy Chocolate Bark Recipe
    • Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe

    Recipe

    jar of chocolate covered cranberries on tray with red ribbon draped across it.

    Easy Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberries Recipe

    Author: Sarah Jenkins
    Dark Chocolate Covered Cranberries use just 3 ingredients and are a delicious treat to serve during the holidays! Fresh tart cranberries are coated with a rich dark chocolate - perfect for snacking or gifting! 
    5 from 42 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Dessert, holiday snack, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 139 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tbsp coconut oil
    • 12 oz fresh cranberries
    • 12 oz dark chocolate chips

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare a large baking sheet by placing wax paper over the top. (Note - if you are making the full 12 oz of cranberries you may need 2 baking sheets.)
    • Combine the coconut oil with the dark chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and melt the mixture in the microwave on low heat for 1 minute, stopping every 5-10 seconds to stir the chocolate.
    • Using a toothpick, prick each cranberry, then carefully dip the cranberry into the melted chocolate mixture. Set on the prepared baking sheet. Continue this process for the rest of the cranberries.
    • Place the baking sheet with the chocolate dipped cranberries into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
    • Remove and serve immediately, or store in a covered container in the refrigerator for about a week.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 0.2mgSodium: 23mgPotassium: 152mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 0.3mg
    Keyword dipped fruit, holiday snack
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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    Comments

      5 from 42 votes (40 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Katrina says

      December 15, 2023 at 9:02 am

      5 stars
      My little ones couldn't get enough of these chocolate-covered cranberries. They're very easy to make and so yummy.

      Reply
    2. Roger says

      November 22, 2023 at 1:04 am

      5 stars
      Brilliant addition of coconut oil, the amount might be a little too much, you have it written as tbsp which I took as Tablespoon. It probably should be 2tsp, teaspoons, so the chocolate does not melt so easily in your hand. But I love the glossiness it adds

      Reply
      • Sarah Jenkins says

        November 22, 2023 at 6:23 pm

        Thanks Roger! Yes, as written the chocolate does melt easily but I find it makes them so much easier to dip! Let me know if you change the ratios and how that works for you. My family cannot stop eating these!

        Reply
    Sarah Jenkins

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I love creating dishes based on what's in season and using local ingredients as often as I can. I hope you'll find some new to you recipes here that will inspire you to make something delicious!

    More about me →

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