Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a sauce pan over medium high heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Stir in the cranberries until coated, then use a slotted spoon to remove them to a wire rack to cool. Alternatively, place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Allow to dry for 45 minutes to an hour, or until dry but sticky. If they're on the baking sheet, toss the cranberries every 20 minutes so they dry on all sides.

Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar to a shallow bowl. Add a small handful of berries to the sugar and roll them to coat on all sides. Repeat until all of the cranberries are sugared.