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Close-up of homemade Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce, a sweet and tart holiday treat.

Easy Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

Transform leftover cranberry sauce into a decadent treat with this easy recipe. Tart cranberry bites are coated in smooth, rich chocolate for a surprisingly sophisticated and addictive holiday delight. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding to dessert platters.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 100
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark, milk, or white chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Flaky sea salt optional
  • Chopped nuts optional: pecans, walnuts, almonds

Equipment

  • Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
  • Small saucepan (optional, for homemade cranberry sauce)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Small cookie scoop or spoon
  • Fork or dipping tools
  • Mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, gently combine the cranberry sauce, orange zest, and cinnamon.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  4. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form small balls of the cranberry mixture.
  5. Place the cranberry balls on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up the cranberry bites.
  7. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil.
  8. If using a double boiler, heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  9. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate!
  10. Remove the cranberry bites from the freezer.
  11. Using a fork or dipping tools, carefully dip each cranberry bite into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated.
  12. Place the dipped cranberry bites back on the prepared baking sheet.
  13. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, or sprinkles, if desired.
  14. Refrigerate the chocolate-covered cranberry bites for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.

Notes

Don’t Overheat the Chocolate. Firm Cranberry Bites are Key. Work Quickly. Use High-Quality Chocolate. Get Creative with Toppings. Storage: Store the chocolate-covered cranberry bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Try different chocolates like dark or white. Spice it up with cayenne pepper or add extracts like peppermint or almond. Add more orange zest for a citrus burst or mix chopped nuts directly into the cranberry sauce.