Set out a wire cookie cooling rack over a piece of wax paper (to catch any spills) and set beside your stove.
In medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sugar and water, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved (do not let mixture come to a boil, it should just be warm enough to dissolve the sugar).
Add the cranberries and stir well until completely coated.
Use a slotted spoon to remove cranberries from the water and lay out on the wire rack (it's best if the cranberries are not touching each other).
Allow to sit at least an hour (they will become very sticky).
Place your 2 cups sugar in a large bowl and, working in batches (about 1 cup of cranberries at a time) toss the cranberries in the sugar until well-coated.
Return to wire rack and allow to sit at least 1 hour.