Orange cranberry sauce with cinnamon is a festive twist on classic cranberry sauce, bringing together the tartness of fresh cranberries, the sweet brightness of orange, and a hint of warm cinnamon spice. This sauce is perfect for holiday meals, pairing beautifully with turkey, ham, and other roasted dishes. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead, and adds a colorful, flavorful touch to any holiday spread.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to make orange cranberry sauce with cinnamon, with tips for getting the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, plus variations for extra flavor.

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1. Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Sauce with Cinnamon

Here’s what you’ll need to make this deliciously festive sauce:

• Fresh Cranberries – 12 oz (1 bag), rinsed
• Orange Juice – 1/2 cup (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• Orange Zest – 1 tablespoon
• Water – 1/4 cup (to help simmer the cranberries)
• Sugar – 1/2 to 3/4 cup (adjust based on preferred sweetness)
• Ground Cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon
• Whole Cinnamon Stick – 1 (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

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2. Step-by-Step Instructions for Orange Cranberry Sauce with Cinnamon

Follow these steps to make a perfectly sweet, tangy, and spiced cranberry sauce:

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, water, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the whole cinnamon stick if using for a deeper cinnamon flavor.
2. Add the orange zest, which will bring a bright, citrusy aroma to the sauce as it cooks.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

1. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
2. Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries start to pop and soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Adjust Sweetness and Consistency

1. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so keep this in mind if it seems a little runny.
2. If you’d like a thicker sauce, let it cook for a few more minutes, mashing the cranberries with the back of a spoon for a smoother texture.

Step 4: Remove from Heat and Cool

1. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from heat and discard the whole cinnamon stick if used.
2. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a serving bowl. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the sauce for at least an hour before serving for the best flavor and texture.
2. Serve cold or at room temperature and enjoy this bright, tangy addition to your holiday meal!

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3. Tips for Perfect Orange Cranberry Sauce with Cinnamon

3.1 Adjust Sugar to Taste

Cranberries are naturally tart, so adjust the sugar level to your taste. Start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed.

3.2 Use Fresh Orange Juice

Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness and depth to the sauce, but bottled orange juice can work in a pinch.

3.3 Add a Whole Cinnamon Stick for Extra Warmth

For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, add a whole cinnamon stick along with the ground cinnamon. Remove it before serving for a smooth sauce.

3.4 Make Ahead for Easy Prep

This sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance, giving you one less dish to worry about on busy holiday mornings.

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4. Flavor Variations

4.1 Maple Orange Cranberry Sauce

Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the orange and cranberry.

4.2 Ginger-Infused Cranberry Sauce

Add 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or a pinch of ground ginger for a warm, spicy note that complements the cinnamon.

4.3 Vanilla Cranberry Sauce

Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sauce after cooking for a subtle hint of vanilla that adds warmth and sweetness.

4.4 Spiced Apple Cranberry Sauce

Add 1/4 cup of diced apple and a pinch of cloves for a fall-inspired flavor that brings out the best of both cranberry and cinnamon.

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5. Serving Suggestions

Orange cranberry sauce is a versatile side that pairs well with a variety of holiday dishes. Here are some serving ideas:

• With Roast Turkey or Ham: A classic pairing that balances the richness of roasted meats.
• With Cheese Platters: Serve alongside a cheese board for a festive touch, pairing well with sharp cheeses like cheddar or brie.
• With Breakfast: Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or yogurt for a sweet-tart breakfast treat.
• With Desserts: Use as a topping for cheesecake, ice cream, or pound cake for a holiday dessert twist.

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6. Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Cranberry sauce also freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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7. Making Ahead for Holiday Gatherings

This sauce is easy to make ahead, making it a convenient addition to holiday meal prep:

1. Prepare the Sauce: Make the sauce as directed and let it cool completely.
2. Refrigerate: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days before serving.
3. Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: Cranberry sauce can be served straight from the refrigerator or allowed to warm slightly to room temperature.

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FAQ

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well! No need to thaw; just add them to the saucepan and proceed with the recipe.

2. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar if you prefer a tart sauce. Maple syrup or honey can also be used as a natural sweetener.

3. How do I thicken cranberry sauce?

If your sauce is too runny, simmer it a bit longer, allowing it to reduce. The sauce will also thicken as it cools.

4. Can I use dried cranberries?

Fresh or frozen cranberries are best, but if using dried cranberries, rehydrate them in hot water for 10-15 minutes and adjust the sweetness.

5. How long does cranberry sauce last?

Homemade cranberry sauce will last up to a week in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

6. Can I add other spices?

Yes, spices like cloves, nutmeg, or allspice add warm, holiday-inspired flavors to the sauce.

7. Can I serve this warm?

Cranberry sauce is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, but it can be served warm if preferred.

8. Can I make this sauce sugar-free?

Yes! Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener, stevia, or erythritol to keep the sauce sugar-free.

9. What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

Add a little more water or orange juice while it’s cooking to thin it out as needed.

10. Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles well. Just ensure you have a large enough saucepan, as cranberries can bubble up while cooking.

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Orange cranberry sauce with cinnamon is a festive, flavorful addition to any holiday table. With the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of orange, and the warmth of cinnamon, this sauce is an instant classic that’s sure to please. Enjoy it alongside your favorite holiday dishes or get creative with leftovers!