This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Please read our disclosure policy.

Kaleb Wyse wearing black shirt with a tan background.

Why I Love to Make Sweet Pickles

Growing up on an Iowa farm, pickles were always a staple in our fridge. Whether Mom was grilling in the backyard or making sandwiches on a summer afternoon, a jar of dill or sweet pickles was never far from the table.

I still make my favorite canned bread and butter pickles every summer, but when I need something a little quicker, this recipe is the one I make. It captures that nostalgic, slightly tangy yet sweet crunch with just a few ingredients and no need for the canning equipment.

These are the kind of pickles I reach for when I have an abundance of cucumbers from the garden. They’re ready in just two days and truly taste like summer in a jar. Plus, they’re super customizable. You can slice your cucumbers into chips or spears, or add more spices (or even some heat) if you like.

Here’s why you’ll love these sweet pickles:

No canning required – just pour, refrigerate, and wait.
Crisp texture and sweet flavor that’s addictive. I bet you won’t be able to try just one!
Makes a small batch – perfect for the fridge.
Perfect for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or enjoying right from the jar.
One of the best ways to use up garden cucumbers in peak season.

Weck jar filled with slices of sweet pickles with another jar behind.

Sweet Pickle Ingredients

You only need 5 ingredients to make this easy pickle recipe:

Cucumbers – Fresh, crisp cucumbers are the perfect pickle, especially when they’re in season.
Apple cider vinegar – Used in place of the traditional white vinegar, a fruit-forward acidity that gives these pickles their tang, but with some sweetness.
Granulated sugar – The signature sweetness that balances out the vinegar and gives the pickles their name.
Kosher salt – Enhances flavor and helps preserve the cucumbers.
Pickling spice – A blend of aromatic spices that adds warmth to the pickles. It’s usually made from a complex mixture of mustard seeds, coriander, peppercorns, cloves, allspice, and so much more.

The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.

Concrete surface with ingredients for sweet pickles including cucumbers, apple cider vinegar, spices, and more.

How to Make Sweet Pickles

The best part about quick pickles is how fast they are to make. This recipe takes just 3 simple steps:

Make the brine – In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt.

Apple cider vinegar brine heating on a hot plate.

Prepare the jars – While the brine heats, slice cucumbers into chips or spears, depending on your preference. Pack the cucumbers into clean jars, leaving about ½ inch at the top. Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of pickling spice into each jar.

Add the brine – Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, making sure they’re fully submerged. Seal with a lid and let cool to room temperature before placing in the refrigerator. Let the pickles sit for at least two days before enjoying.

Measuring cup pouring apple cider vinegar brine on top of sliced cucumbers.

Serving

Sweet pickles are versatile and can make so many other recipes even better:

Sandwiches and burgers – Add a sweet crunch to your favorite sandwich or burger.
Salads – Chop and mix into potato, egg, or tuna salads for some added flavor.
Charcuterie boards – Include as a tangy item on appetizer or charcuterie trays.
Snacking – Enjoy straight from the jar as a refreshing snack.

Storage

Once the pickles are made, here’s what to expect:

These are refrigerator pickles (no canning involved!), so keep them chilled and tightly sealed.
They’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to 2 months in the fridge.
Always use clean utensils to scoop them out. No fingers or used fork in the jar, which helps to keep out bacteria that can make the pickles spoil.
If the brine turns cloudy or the pickles lose their crispness, it’s time to make a new batch.
The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become.

Fork spearing three sweet pickles from a jar filled with more pickles.

More Quick Pickles

Pickled eggs
Pickled beets
Pickled jalapeños
Quick pickled radishes
Or check out all of my quick pickle recipes

Watch How to Make This Recipe

Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?

I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!

Sweet Pickles

By Kaleb

5 from 1 vote

Sweet pickles that are crisp, tangy, and sweet, with no canning needed! They just need a quick brine and a refrigerator.

Prep: 20

Cook: 15

Chill Time: 2

Total: 2 35

Servings: servings (2 pint jars)

Two jars of sweet pickles with pickling spices in brine.

Save Pin Print

Equipment

2 pint jars (I use 742 Weck jars)

Ingredients

▢ 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
▢ ½ cup granulated sugar
▢ 1 tbsp kosher salt
▢ 4 cups sliced cucumbers (about 1 ½ lbs)
▢ 1 tsp pickling spice separated

Instructions

Prepare the brine: In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Place the brine over medium heat and let it come to a boil.
1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp kosher salt
Prepare the cucumbers: Slice the cucumber into chips or spears, depending on personal preference and desired shape. Pack the cucumbers into jars, leaving about ½ inch headspace. Then sprinkle about ½ tsp of pickling spice into each jar.
1 tsp pickling spice, 4 cups sliced cucumbers (about 1 ½ lbs)
Add the brine: Pour the hot brine over the top of the pickles. Place a lid on each jar and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the pickles to sit in the brine for two days before enjoying.