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There’s something beautifully nostalgic and yet completely unexpected about this Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce. Imagine the sweet-tart richness of homemade cranberry sauce wrapped in a luscious shell of silky melted chocolate. It transforms a classic holiday side into a treat worthy of your dessert table.

This is one of those little wonders that adds magic to leftovers. If you’ve got a bowl of cranberry sauce in your fridge and you don’t feel like eating turkey again, dip it in chocolate instead. It’s indulgent and shockingly easy, and you might just find yourself making cranberry sauce year-round just to make these sweet bites.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

These cranberry chocolate bites are perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet. They’re quick to make and need just a few ingredients, yet they feel completely gourmet. Whether you’re serving them at a festive party or sneaking a treat with your coffee, they deliver big satisfaction in a small, glossy package.

This recipe is also a brilliant way to repurpose leftovers with zero waste. The cranberry sauce becomes a center of attention rather than an afterthought.

Can I Use Canned Cranberry Sauce?

Absolutely. While homemade cranberry sauce will give you a more textured bite with bursts of whole berries, canned works just fine. Just make sure it’s chilled and firm before scooping. If using the jellied version, you might want to cut it into small squares instead of scooping to make coating easier.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

This recipe leans on simplicity. Each component plays a role in creating a dessert that feels rich without any fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cranberry Sauce
Whether it’s fresh or leftover from a holiday dinner, this is your flavor star. It adds that bright tartness and fruity body to balance the sweetness.

Dark Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
These give the dessert its decadent outer shell. Choose a good quality chocolate that melts smoothly.

Coconut Oil (optional)
Adding just a bit helps thin the chocolate for dipping and gives it a beautiful glossy finish.

Flaky Sea Salt (optional)
This is the finishing touch that enhances flavor and gives each bite a subtle crunch and complexity.

How To Make the Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Prep Your Cranberry Sauce Balls

Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop rounded portions of chilled cranberry sauce. If your sauce is more loose, freeze it for 30 minutes first. Place the scoops on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for about 1 hour or until firm.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, gently melt your chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil if using. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Dip and Coat

Using a fork or dipping tool, quickly dunk each frozen cranberry scoop into the melted chocolate. Let the excess drip off and place the coated bites back onto the parchment. Work quickly so the cranberry doesn’t thaw.

Step 4: Finish and Set

Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired, then place the tray in the fridge for 10–20 minutes until the chocolate sets completely.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Best served chilled.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce

This recipe makes about 12 to 15 bites, depending on how large you scoop your cranberry sauce. It’s perfect for small gatherings, holiday parties, or as a delightful treat to pull out when guests drop in.

To store, keep your chocolate-covered bites in a sealed container in the fridge. The chocolate may bloom slightly if kept for longer than a few days, but they’ll still taste delicious. For best texture, enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.

What to Serve With Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce?

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The richness of chocolate and the brightness of cranberry pair perfectly with a warm, bitter espresso or a creamy latte.

Aged Cheese Plate

Believe it or not, these bites work beautifully alongside sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or creamy brie. Sweet and savory is a combo that never fails.

Sparkling Wine

If you’re feeling festive, serve these with a crisp glass of bubbly. The acidity in the wine enhances the cranberry while cutting through the chocolate.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Chop them up and sprinkle over ice cream for a frozen, fruity crunch.

Shortbread Cookies

Pair with buttery shortbread cookies for a holiday platter everyone will rave about.

Dark Chocolate Mousse

Double down on the decadence by serving these bites on a tray with little cups of rich mousse.

Holiday Brunch Board

Include these as a sweet touch alongside muffins, fruit, and ham slices for a special brunch.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you loved these chocolate-dipped cranberry bites, you’re going to want to try a few more holiday-friendly treats from Mia Plates:

Ooey Gooey Bars for something sticky-sweet with a caramelized finish.

Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries that are as fun to look at as they are to eat.

Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for a chewy tropical twist on the classic Christmas cookie.

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you crave the best parts of brunch and dessert in one bite.

Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a soul-warming, comforting sweet to round out any festive meal.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with homemade cranberry sauce or the canned version? Did you dust them with sea salt or drizzle more chocolate on top?

I love hearing your creative spins on these recipes. Questions are always welcome too—let’s make dessert even better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and dessert ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feel-good treats!

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