Maple Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce – Cozy 15-Minute Holiday Side

Name: Homemade Chili: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6–8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity); ½ cup beef broth or water

Sarah Smith
1 day ago
3 min read

Bowl of cranberry sauce with walnuts and star anise on a rustic wooden table, garnished with rosemary. Warm, inviting, and festive mood.

This Maple Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce brings a deeper, richer flavor to the classic holiday favorite. Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and warmth, while cinnamon and orange zest brighten every bite with cozy, festive notes. It cooks down into a glossy, jammy sauce in just minutes and thickens beautifully as it cools. Perfect for Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or spooned over pancakes, waffles, and leftover sandwiches.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10–12 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)1/2 cup pure maple syrup1/4 cup sugar (optional for extra sweetness)1/2 cup orange juice1/2 cup water1 teaspoon orange zest1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt Optional additions:• 1 small diced apple• A splash of bourbon• 1 tablespoon brown sugar• A handful of chopped pecans

Instructions

Prepare the cranberries: Rinse well and remove any soft or damaged berries.
Warm the base: In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, sugar (if using), orange juice, water, and salt. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves.
Add cranberries and spices: Stir in cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer to thicken: Reduce heat and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
Add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for warm depth.
Cool: Let the sauce cool completely. It will thicken further as it stands and even more after refrigeration.
Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

How to Serve

Serve chilled or room temperature with:

• Roasted turkey

• Thanksgiving stuffing

• Pork chops

• Glazed ham

• Chicken dinners

• Holiday charcuterie boards

Or spoon over:

• Pancakes

• Waffles

• Oatmeal

• Yogurt

• Leftover turkey sandwiches

Tips

• Maple syrup varies in sweetness — adjust with extra sugar if needed.

• Add diced apples for texture and natural sweetness.

• For a smooth sauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender.

• A splash of bourbon adds incredible holiday depth.

• Sauce keeps 7–10 days in the refrigerator.

FAQ

Q: What makes maple cinnamon cranberry sauce different from traditional cranberry sauce? A: This version is naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar and simmered with warm cinnamon, giving it a richer, cozier flavor and a deeper, more complex sweetness.

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly and usually cook down even faster. No need to thaw—just add them directly to the pot.

Q: Why did my cranberry sauce turn thick so quickly?

A: Cranberries contain natural pectin, which thickens the sauce as they burst. Maple syrup and reduced cooking liquid also add thickness. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of orange juice, water, or apple cider.

Q: My cranberry sauce turned out too tart—how can I sweeten it?

A: Start by adding a little more maple syrup and simmer for 1–2 minutes. You can also stir in orange juice for sweetness with a bright citrus twist.

Q: How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?

A: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10–14 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes! This is a perfect make-ahead holiday dish. The flavors deepen after 24 hours, making it even more delicious for Thanksgiving or Christmas meals.

Q: Can I adjust the spices?

A: Definitely. Add cloves, nutmeg, allspice, or a cinnamon stick for extra warmth. A pinch of ginger also adds a nice festive kick.

Q: Can I make this cranberry sauce without maple syrup?

A: Yes — you can swap maple syrup with honey, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. Each option changes the flavor slightly but still tastes cozy and homemade.

Q: Why is my cranberry sauce still runny after cooling?

A: It may need more cooking time to reduce the liquid. Return to the stove and simmer for 5 more minutes. Keep in mind it thickens significantly as it cools.

Q: What can I serve maple cinnamon cranberry sauce with?

A: It’s delicious with turkey, ham, pork tenderloin, chicken, biscuits, charcuterie boards, yogurt parfaits, pancakes, and holiday sandwiches.