Bright, tangy, and with a bright kick of heat, Cranberry Jalapeno Cowboy Candy is a lively condiment that wakes up cheese boards, sandwiches, and roasted meats. This glossy, jammy spread combines the tart pop of fresh cranberries with the smoky heat of jalapeños and a sweet, spiced syrup. It smells warm and citrusy while cooking, and the finished texture is thick and spoonable with jewel-like cranberry pieces and little green pepper flecks. It’s easy to make and keeps well, so it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a bold, everyday topping.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: about 12 (2 tablespoons each)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: ~150 kcal
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
Why Make This Cranberry Jalapeno Cowboy Candy
This recipe balances sweet, sour, and spicy in one vibrant jar. The cranberries bring bright tartness and texture; the sugar and vinegar create a glossy, shelf-stable syrup; jalapeños add a smoky kick that develops as it sits. Make it for holiday trays, as a glaze for pork or chicken, or to jazz up a simple cream cheese spread. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great way to use seasonal cranberries.
How to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Cowboy Candy
This method is simple: prepare ingredients, combine them in a pot, simmer until thick and jammy, then cool. You can control the heat by seeding the jalapeños and adjust sweetness by changing the sugar amount slightly. Sterilize jars if you plan to preserve it long-term.
Ingredients:
- Fresh cranberries (about 4 cups / 400 g)
- Jalapeño peppers (2–4, depending on heat preference)
- Sugar (about 2 cups / 400 g)
- Apple cider vinegar (1 cup / 240 ml)
- Spices: ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon), ground nutmeg (a pinch), optional cloves or ginger
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Rinse the cranberries and pick through them for stems or soft berries. Wash jalapeños, then slice thinly. Remove seeds and membranes if you want milder heat; leave some or all in for more kick. Measure sugar, vinegar, and spices so everything is ready.
Step 2: Mixing
In a medium pot, combine the cranberries, sliced jalapeños, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well so the sugar starts to dissolve and coats the fruit. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes off the heat to allow flavors to begin mingling.
Step 3: Cooking
Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jammy consistency. Skim foam from the top if it forms. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and any other spices in the last 2–3 minutes, taste, and adjust.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. The spread will thicken more as it cools. Spoon into clean jars and refrigerate once cooled. If you plan to can for shelf storage, follow a proper water-bath canning process and sterilize jars and lids.
How to Serve Cranberry Jalapeno Cowboy Candy
Serve spoonfuls on a cheese board—cream cheese or goat cheese are fantastic bases. Use it as a glaze for baked ham, roasted pork tenderloin, or grilled chicken. Try it on toasted baguette slices, or spoon it over a warm Brie wheel before baking. For a festive twist, serve alongside roasted turkey or mix a spoonful into mayonnaise for a spicy cranberry sandwich spread. For a baked-brie pairing idea, try these baked cranberry brie bites: Baked Cranberry Brie Bites.
How to Store Cranberry Jalapeno Cowboy Candy
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
- Shelf-stable canning: If you process jars in a hot water bath following safe canning guidelines, store sealed jars for up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Jalapeno Cowboy Candy
- Adjust the heat: Remove seeds and membranes to reduce spice. Keep them for more punch.
- Control thickness: Simmer longer for a thicker spread. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of vinegar or water.
- Avoid burning sugar: Use medium heat and stir frequently, especially toward the end.
- Skim foam: Use a spoon to remove foam for a clearer, glossy finish.
- Flavor boosts: Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice for citrus notes. A tablespoon of grated fresh ginger adds warmth.
- Canning safety: Follow tested water-bath canning times based on jar size and altitude.
Delicious Variations
- Orange-Jalapeño: Add 1/4 cup orange juice and 1 tablespoon orange zest for a bright citrus lift.
- Brown Sugar & Bourbon: Replace half the sugar with brown sugar and stir in 1–2 tablespoons bourbon off heat.
- Apple Spice: Add diced apple and a little extra cinnamon for a chunky fall spread.
- Low-Sugar: Reduce sugar by 25% and simmer longer to concentrate flavors; note texture will be less syrupy.
- Mango-Cranberry: Substitute half the cranberries with diced ripe mango for a tropical twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes. Use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer; increase simmer time by a few minutes until they burst and the mixture thickens. -
How do I make it less spicy?
Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes before slicing. Use fewer peppers or replace one jalapeño with a mild green pepper. -
Can I can this for shelf storage?
Yes, but follow a tested water-bath canning method: sterilize jars, fill hot, leave proper headspace, and process for the time recommended for preserves in your altitude guide. Refrigerate after opening. -
How long should I cook it to reach jammy consistency?
Typically 20–25 minutes simmering on medium-low. Watch for cranberries to burst and the liquid to reduce; it will thicken more as it cools. -
Will the sugar crystalize if I store it?
Properly cooked and stored spreads usually do not crystallize. Avoid over-boiling and cool jars before sealing. If sugar crystals form, gently reheat with a splash of water and stir. -
Can I use a sugar substitute?
You can try a 1:1 liquid sweetener substitution (like honey or agave), but texture and preservation qualities change. Low-calorie sweeteners may not set the same.
Conclusion
Cranberry Jalapeno Cowboy Candy is a simple, bold condiment that brings sweet-tart fruit and spicy pepper together in a glossy, versatile spread. It brightens holiday platters, complements roasted meats, and makes an everyday sandwich sing. If you want more inspiration for cranberry pairings and preserving spicy fruit condiments, see this useful guide: Cranberry Candied Jalapenos | Preparing and Preserving the Harvest. Give it a try—adjust the heat to your taste, and enjoy the burst of color and flavor.
Print
Cranberry Jalapeno Cowboy Candy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A lively condiment that combines tart cranberries with smoky jalapeños in a sweet, spiced syrup.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries (about 4 cups / 400 g)
- Jalapeño peppers (2–4, depending on heat preference)
- Sugar (about 2 cups / 400 g)
- Apple cider vinegar (1 cup / 240 ml)
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
- Ground nutmeg (a pinch)
- Optional cloves or ginger
Instructions
- Preparation: Rinse the cranberries and sort through them. Wash jalapeños and slice thinly; remove seeds and membranes for less heat.
- Mix the cranberries, jalapeños, sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a pot. Stir well to dissolve sugar and let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Cook: Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Add spices in the last few minutes.
- Finishing: Remove from heat and cool slightly. Spoon into clean jars and refrigerate once cooled. Follow canning guidelines for shelf storage.
Notes
Adjust the heat by seeding the jalapeños and vary the sweetness by adjusting sugar amounts. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for 6 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
