Dessert

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

Introduction

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that combines the tartness of cranberries with the heat of jalapeños. Perfect for adding a kick to your sandwiches, cheese boards, or grilled meats, this homemade cowboy candy is a delightful twist on a classic preserve.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a deep red, chunky cranberry sauce that has a glossy, slightly wet texture. Mixed throughout the sauce are whole bright red cranberries and thin green slices of jalapeño peppers with visible seeds. The surface on which the bowl sits is a white marbled texture, and the bowl rim is only partially visible on the right side. The colors contrast well, making the red cranberries and dark red sauce stand out with the fresh green jalapeño slices on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries
2 jalapeño peppers, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and discard any bruised or damaged ones. Set them aside.
Step 2: Slice the jalapeño peppers thinly. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and white membrane.
Step 3: In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 4: When the mixture begins to simmer, add the cranberries and sliced jalapeños to the saucepan.
Step 5: Stir in the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Step 6: Simmer the mixture for 10–15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the liquid thickens slightly.
Step 7: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 8: Pour the mixture into sterilized glass jars, ensuring cranberries and jalapeños are evenly spread in each jar.
Step 9: Let the jars cool to room temperature before sealing them with lids.
Step 10: Refrigerate the jars for at least 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use red chili flakes instead of ground spices for a different spice profile.
Make sure to sterilize jars properly to extend shelf life and avoid spoilage.
Try substituting fresh cranberries with frozen ones when out of season; thaw before use.

Storage

Store the cowboy candy in sealed glass jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently or serve cold as a condiment. For longer storage, consider processing the jars in a water bath canner following safe canning procedures.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a chunky, dark red cranberry sauce mixed with small pieces of cooked onion. On top of the sauce, there are several whole, bright red cranberries and a few slices of fresh green jalapeño peppers with visible seeds. The sauce has a glossy, slightly wet texture, and the bowl is set against a white marbled surface. The photo has rich, natural colors with sharp details on the textures of the sauce and jalapeños. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I control the spiciness of this cowboy candy?

Yes! Removing the seeds and membranes from jalapeños significantly reduces heat. You can also adjust the number of peppers or try milder peppers to suit your taste.