Place a wire rack over a large baking pan (to catch sugar while cranberries dry)

In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, about 2-3 minutes.

Gently stir in cranberries until well coated

With a slotted spoon, transfer to the prepared wire rack and let dry for at least 30 minutes

Roll cranberries in 1 1/2 cups sugar until well coated, placing the cranberries back on the wire rack to dry. You may need to work in batches.