Sweetened Dried Cranberries

Will keep 6–12 months refrigerated

Freezing extends shelf life significantly

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several months

Soak dried cranberries in warm water for 5–10 minutes to plump them up before baking if you prefer extra moisture

Use them straight from the bag in granola, muffins, or cookies—no prep needed

Chop them finely for even distribution in dense batters

Their tartness pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg

Oats and granola

Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)

Spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves)

Dark chocolate

Sharp cheeses

Poultry and pork dishes

Forgetting that they're already sweetened—reduce added sugar in your recipe slightly to avoid over-sweetening

Storing in humid conditions, which can cause clumping or mold

Confusing them with tart (unsweetened) dried cranberries, which have very different uses