Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the cranberries, juice, barbecue sauce, and sugar and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Place the hens in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Roast the hens, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Baste hens with some of the sauce and continue to roast for an additional 20 minutes, until juices run clear.

Serve with additional warm sauce on the side.