Step 1 In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar with the water and bring to a boil. Add the cranberries and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens slightly, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely (the sauce will thicken more as it cools). This makes about 2 3/4 cups cranberry sauce, more than is needed for the final recipe.