Bring ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar to a boil until the sugar is dissolved, about 3-5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the cranberries and let the cranberries cool in the sugar water for 1-2 hour or overnight. Strain the cranberries really well, then add them to a parchment lined cookie sheet with sides. Add the remaining 1½ cups sugar and gently toss until all the cranberries are coated in sugar. Allow the cranberries to dry, in a single layer for at least one hour. Enjoy!