Add dried cranberries, orange juice and orange zest, cranberry juice, and sugar to a medium saucepan.
Heat and stir until the mixture starts to boil. Then, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the cranberries plump up, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Make a slurry with cornstarch and ¼ cup of water. Slowly drizzle this slurry into the sauce mixture while stirring. Stir for at least one minute, until the sauce thickens. Sauce will thicken more as it cools!
Notes
Plump dried cranberries for a richer flavor and texture: Soaking the dried cranberries in warm water for 15-30 minutes before cooking will help them rehydrate and plump up, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy sauce.
Add warm spices:Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger pair beautifully with cranberries, creating a warm and inviting aroma. Just a pinch of each spice will add depth of flavor without overpowering the cranberries.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking: Cranberry sauce can vary in sweetness depending on personal preference. Start with the suggested amount of sugar in your recipe and adjust to taste, adding more or less depending on your liking.
Let it cool before serving for a thicker consistency: The cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools, so allow it to rest at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will result in a smooth and glossy texture.