Combine 1 cup sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir and reduce to a simmer.
Once all of the sugar has dissolved, add rinsed cranberries. Stirring often so they are all covered in the sticky sugar water. Let them cook in the sugar water briefly, for just 1 minute. Remove from heat.
In a small mixing bowl, pour in the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar. Using a slotted spoon, remove the hot cranberries, allowing them to drip dry before tossing them in the reserved sugar.
Carefully remove the sugared berries with a clean, dry spoon and transfer to a cookie sheet. If needed, you can retoss some of the berries in the sugar again.
Let them dry and crisp up for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.