Skip to Content

Savor the Season: 10 Tart and Tasty Cranberry Recipes for Festive Flavors

Celebrate the holidays with the perfect balance of sweet and tart. These irresistible cranberry recipes, from desserts to drinks, add a festive flair to any occasion. Whether hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night at home, these vibrant creations bring the unmistakable zing of cranberries to the season.

Cranberry Eggnog Muffins

Cranberry muffin with streusel topping on a muffin liner.
Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Bakery-style muffins with the subtle flavor of eggnog and filled with tart cranberries. These muffins have a cinnamon streusel topping adding to the holiday flavors. They are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Eggnog Muffins

Candied Cranberries

Three individual servings of candied cranberries in small tart tins.
Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

These fresh tart cranberries, coated in sweet sugar, are surprisingly delicious. Sometimes called candied or frosted cranberries you can eat them as is or use them to garnish your favorite holiday dessert or cocktail.

Get the Recipe: Candied Cranberries

Cranberry Martini

Cranberry martinis with sugared cranberries and orange sliced.
Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

A perfect balance of sweet and tart, the cranberry martini is a cocktail that can be served year-round. A blend of vodka, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice, this drink is smooth and refreshing. Garnish with some sugared cranberries and an orange slice to make it extra special.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Martini

Cranberry Lemon Scones

Cranberry lemon scones on a table.
Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

These cranberry lemon scones are light and fluffy, just like you’d expect from your favorite bakery. Topped with a lemon drizzle, these scones are perfect for breakfast or with a cup of afternoon tea.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Lemon Scones

Fresh Cranberry Bars

A stack of cranberry shortbread bars.
Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Fresh cranberry bars are a delicious combination of a sweet and tart cranberry filling nestled between an easy shortbread cookie crust and cinnamon crumble topping. The flavors are the perfect combination of crisp sweetness and a dessert that everyone will love!

Get the Recipe: Fresh Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry sauce in a small serving bowl.
Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Cranberry sauce is a must on the Thanksgiving table. This homemade cranberry-orange sauce is made with simple ingredients and takes about 10 minutes to make. The addition of orange juice helps balance the flavor for the perfect amount of tartness. It is sure to please a crowd. 

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry Hand Pies

Cranberry hand pies with icing drizzle on a cooling rack.
Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

These quick and easy cranberry hand pies are made with just four ingredients. Using store-bought pastry, leftover cranberry sauce, powdered sugar, and a simple icing drizzle, they are a perfect snack or dessert when you want something sweet but are short on time. A great way to use holiday leftovers, these hand pies freeze well and are perfect for the lunch box.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Hand Pies

Cranberry Margarita

Cranberry margarita in a cocktail glass.
Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Made with cranberry juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime, this cranberry margarita is a perfectly balanced cocktail that is delicious any time of year but especially welcome during the chilly fall and winter months.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Margarita

Air Fryer Cranberry Sauce Muffins

Cranberry muffins in a basket.
Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

These delicious muffins are flavored with vanilla and cinnamon and a tart cranberry sauce swirl. Baked in the air fryer, these tasty muffins use leftover cranberry sauce and simple pantry ingredients. They are quick and easy. Perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cranberry Sauce Muffins

Cranberry Jalapeno Jam

Cranberry Jam in a small jar.
Image Credit: Fresh Coast Eats

This vibrant Cranberry Jalapeno Jam is a delightful mix of sweet, tart, tangy, and spicy flavors! It’s perfect for spreading on toast or crackers, pairing with a variety of cheeses, or adding a flavorful kick to your holiday table. 

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeno Jam

Sharing is caring!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.