Turn that leftover cranberry sauce into an unforgettable treat with this Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce recipe. Imagine the tart punch of cranberries mellowed into a silky sauce, then sealed inside a rich, snappy chocolate shell. It’s like a truffle and a holiday dessert rolled into one. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor and a smooth texture that melts on your tongue.


Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers, gifting during the holidays, or a fun twist on classic chocolate confections, these chocolate-covered delights are surprisingly easy to make. They look fancy, taste indulgent, and require just a handful of ingredients. Trust me, once you’ve tried them, you’ll be buying extra cranberry sauce just to make these.
What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best to balance the tartness of the cranberry sauce. Milk chocolate tends to be too sweet, but if that’s your preference, go for it! Opt for high-quality baking chocolate or chocolate chips that melt smoothly. A little coconut oil can also help give you that glossy finish and satisfying snap.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Sauce – Use homemade or canned whole berry cranberry sauce. The sauce should be firm enough to shape, as it’s the heart of the filling.
 - Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate – Melts into a smooth coating. Choose semi-sweet or dark for a perfect contrast.
 - Coconut Oil (optional) – Helps the chocolate melt silkier and set with a shiny, snappy shell.
 - Optional Garnishes – A sprinkle of sea salt, crushed pistachios, or a cranberry on top can add an extra festive touch.
 
How To Make the Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling
Scoop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce onto a lined baking sheet, shaping them into small disks or mounds. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Dip and Coat
Remove cranberry disks from the freezer. Use a fork or dipping tool to coat each one in melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Place back on the lined sheet.
Step 4: Let Them Set
Refrigerate until the chocolate is fully set, about 20 minutes. Add garnishes before the chocolate hardens if desired.

Serving and Storing Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce
Serve these treats chilled or at room temperature on dessert trays, cookie platters, or alongside a cup of coffee. They’re great for parties or gifting in small boxes or tins.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month—just let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
What to Serve With Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce?
Coffee or Espresso
A strong cup of coffee complements the tart and rich notes.
Champagne or Prosecco
The bubbles cut through the richness for an elegant pairing.
Cheese Board
Add these to a board with brie, aged cheddar, and nuts for a sweet contrast.
Gingerbread Cookies
Their spice pairs beautifully with cranberry and chocolate.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve these chopped over ice
Spiced Wine
Mulled wine and cranberry? Holiday heaven.
Pistachio Biscotti
A crunchy pairing that adds nutty depth.
Orange Slices
Fresh citrus brightens each bite.
Want More Candy Ideas?
If you’re loving this sweet and tart creation, dive into more delicious treats:
- Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie for a creamy fruity classic.
 - Salted Caramel Cupcakes to scratch that sweet-salty itch.
 - Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a buttery melt-in-your-mouth option.
 - Caramel Cheesecake Cookies when you want cheesecake meets cookie.
 - Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe if you want a cookie cousin to today’s recipe.
 
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of orange zest or a dash of cinnamon? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Print
		Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
 - Yield: 12 pieces
 - Diet: Vegetarian
 
Description
Turn your holiday leftovers into a decadent treat with these Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce bites. Tart cranberry sauce meets smooth melted chocolate for a sweet treat that feels like a gourmet truffle. Whether you’re looking for quick holiday desserts, easy candy recipes, or creative uses for cranberry sauce, this recipe delivers. It’s ideal for gifting, snacking, or dressing up your dessert tray with minimal effort and maximum wow factor. This is a must-try if you’re after holiday food ideas, no-bake treats, or festive snack recipes that feel fancy but are foolproof.
Ingredients
2 cups cranberry sauce
1 ½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
optional garnishes like sea salt, crushed pistachios, or fresh cranberries
Instructions
1. Scoop firm cranberry sauce onto a lined baking sheet in small mounds or disks. Freeze for 1–2 hours until solid.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
3. Remove frozen cranberry sauce disks. Use a fork or dipping tool to coat each in chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place back on the lined tray.
4. Let the chocolate set in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Add garnishes before the chocolate hardens if desired.
5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
Notes
Use whole berry cranberry sauce for best texture; jellied sauce may not hold shape as well.
Add a pinch of orange zest or cinnamon to the cranberry sauce for an extra holiday twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 5 minutes
 - Category: Dessert
 - Method: No-bake
 - Cuisine: American
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
 - Calories: 110
 - Sugar: 10g
 - Sodium: 5mg
 - Fat: 6g
 - Saturated Fat: 3.5g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 2g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 14g
 - Fiber: 1g
 - Protein: 1g
 - Cholesterol: 0mg
 
Keywords: cranberry dessert, leftover cranberry sauce, chocolate treats
					