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- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup water - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup dark chocolate chips - 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or vegetable oil) - Flaky sea salt for garnish - Fresh cranberries for decoration - Mint sprigs for a fresh touch - You can swap coconut oil for vegetable oil if needed. - Use white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter taste. - If you want a different flavor, try using almond extract in place of vanilla. - For a lower-sugar option, you can use a sugar substitute. This list makes it easy to gather what you need for these tasty bites. Each ingredient plays a key role in making the flavors pop. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. Make sure to wash them well. If you use frozen cranberries, you can skip thawing. Just grab them from the freezer. Using fresh or frozen works well, so choose what you have! Grab a medium saucepan. In it, mix the cranberries, sugar, water, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Turn the heat to medium. Stir often to stop the mixture from sticking. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. You will see the cranberries burst and release their juice. This makes the sauce thick and yummy. When done, remove the pan from heat. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. Now, transfer the sauce to a mixing bowl. Let it cool to room temperature. After that, chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps it firm up. Once it’s ready, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to make mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Next, melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Stir between heats until it’s all melted. Now for the fun part! Take each mound of cranberry sauce and dip it in the melted chocolate. Make sure it's fully coated. Lift it out and let the extra chocolate drip off. Place it back on the baking sheet. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top. This adds a nice flavor twist. Finally, put the baking sheet back in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This lets the chocolate harden and form a nice shell. Enjoy your sweet treat! To melt chocolate well, start with good quality chocolate chips. Use dark chocolate for a rich flavor. Combine the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir the mixture after each burst. This helps avoid burning the chocolate. If the chocolate looks lumpy, keep stirring. It will become smooth as you mix. When cooking the cranberry sauce, you want it to thicken nicely. After boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer. Stir it occasionally, so it doesn’t stick to the pan. The cranberries will burst and release their juices. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer. To impress guests, arrange the chocolate-dipped cranberry bites on a pretty platter. A tiered stand works well for a fancy look. You can also garnish the plate with fresh cranberries and mint leaves. This adds color and a festive touch. For a fun twist, drizzle extra melted chocolate on top. It makes the bites look even more tempting! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh cranberries when available. They provide a vibrant tartness that enhances the overall taste of the bites. Chocolate Tempering: If you want a shiny finish on your chocolate, consider tempering it. This process ensures the chocolate sets with a glossy appearance and a satisfying snap. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or ginger to the cranberry sauce for a unique twist. You can also try different types of chocolate, such as milk or white chocolate. Presentation Matters: Elevate your serving by arranging the bites on a beautiful platter and adding decorations like edible flowers or seasonal greens for a festive touch. {{image_4}} You can boost the taste of your chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce in fun ways. Try adding zest from an orange or lemon for a bright twist. A splash of almond extract can also add a warm, nutty flavor. If you love spice, a pinch of cayenne or ginger can give it a kick. Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch. Each addition brings a new layer of flavor that makes these bites special. If you want a vegan option, just swap the dark chocolate for a dairy-free chocolate. Look for brands that use cocoa butter and no milk. For gluten-free bites, ensure your chocolate is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free and safe for anyone avoiding gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy this sweet treat. For a different look and taste, you can use other chocolates. White chocolate brings a creamy, sweet flavor that pairs well with cranberries. Milk chocolate adds a rich, sweet layer that many love. Melt them just like dark chocolate, and dip your cranberry bites as you would normally. Each chocolate type gives a unique taste, letting you customize your treats to your liking. Store your chocolate-dipped cranberry bites in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to one week. This helps maintain their freshness and flavor. If you place layers of parchment paper between the bites, they won't stick together. To freeze, first let the bites cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about two hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can store them for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight. You don’t really need to reheat these bites. If they get too firm, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This will help soften the chocolate. If you want to make them warm again, place them on a plate in the microwave for a few seconds. Keep an eye on them to avoid melting the chocolate. You can store chocolate-dipped cranberry sauce in the fridge for about one week. Make sure to place the bites in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. They will last for about three months in the freezer. Just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! They work great in this recipe. There is no need to thaw them first. Just toss them into the saucepan with the other ingredients. They will cook down nicely and create a tasty sauce. Frozen cranberries often have a similar taste to fresh ones, making them a good choice. The best way to melt chocolate is in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and add your dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This way, the chocolate melts evenly and does not burn. You can also use a double boiler. Just place the chocolate over simmering water and stir until smooth. Both methods work well! To sum up, we covered all you need for chocolate-dipped cranberry bites. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and handy tips. You learned how to store and freeze these treats, plus fun variations to try. With this guide, you can make delicious bites that fit any diet. Enjoy crafting these tasty snacks and impress your friends with your skills. You'll find endless joy in sharing them at gatherings or keeping them for yourself. Dive in and start creating your perfect bites today.

Chocolate-Dipped Cranberry Bliss Bites

Delicious bites of cranberry sauce coated in silky dark chocolate, topped with flaky sea salt.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • to taste flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Thoroughly rinse the fresh cranberries under cold running water. If using frozen cranberries, use them directly from the freezer.
  • In a medium saucepan, mix together the cranberries, sugar, water, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Turn the heat to medium and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
  • Transfer the cranberry sauce to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 1 hour.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted.
  • Once the cranberry sauce is chilled, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out small mounds and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Dip each mound of cranberry sauce into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing back on the sheet.
  • While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each chocolate-dipped cranberry bite.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.

Notes

Arrange on a decorative platter for an impressive display.
Keyword chocolate, cranberry, dessert, holiday