Homemade Christmas Jam – A Festive, Fruity, Cozy Holiday Spread

The holidays bring with them a certain magic—a cozy warmth, sparkling lights, and flavors that feel nostalgic and comforting. Homemade Christmas Jam captures all of that magic in a single jar. With its bright ruby color and enchanting blend of cranberries, berries, citrus, and warm spices, this jam embodies the very spirit of the season. It’s sweet, slightly tart, beautifully spiced, and irresistibly spreadable.

Christmas jam has become a beloved tradition in many homes because it’s simple to make, easy to store, and makes the most charming edible gift. Whether you give it as part of a holiday basket, serve it at a brunch spread, or enjoy it on a warm biscuit by the fire, it brings a sense of cheer and creativity to your kitchen. This jam tastes like cranberry sauce meets berry preserves meets mulled cider—an utterly Christmassy medley.

One of the best parts of this recipe is how beginner-friendly it is. You don’t have to be a seasoned canner to pull it off. With just a pot, a few ingredients, and a little time, you can create jars of jam that look and taste like something straight from a gourmet shop. It’s incredibly rewarding and fills your home with the most delightful holiday aroma.

The cranberries give the jam its festive tartness and jewel-toned color, while strawberries (or raspberries) add sweetness and a beautiful depth of flavor. Orange zest and juice bring bright, citrusy sparkle, and the spices—cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg—infuse every bite with warm holiday cheer. The texture is perfectly thick and spreadable, thanks to natural pectin in the cranberries.

This jam is wonderfully versatile, too. Serve it with breakfast pastries, swirl it into yogurt, spoon it over cheesecake, or glaze a holiday ham with it. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making year after year, a cherished part of your seasonal traditions. Homemade Christmas Jam isn’t just a recipe—it’s a gift, a memory, and a taste of the holidays all at once.

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (or raspberries)
• 3 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 packet (1.75 oz) powdered pectin (optional for firmer jam)

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Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, berries, orange juice, and sugar.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often.
3. Cook 10–12 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture starts to thicken.
4. Add orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
5. Mash fruit lightly with a potato masher for a smoother texture.
6. If using pectin, sprinkle it over the mixture and stir vigorously for 1 minute.
7. Simmer 5 minutes more until jam reaches desired thickness.
8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
9. Spoon jam into jars and refrigerate, or process in a water bath for shelf-stable storage.
10. Chill completely before serving for best flavor.

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Tips & Tricks

Want thicker jam?
Use powdered pectin or cook 5–10 minutes longer.

Prefer chunkier jam?
Mash the fruit less or leave a portion whole.

For a deeper spiced flavor:
Add a cinnamon stick during cooking and remove before jarring.

Reduce the sugar:
You can safely reduce to 2 cups, though the jam will be slightly thinner.

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Variations

Raspberry Christmas Jam:
Swap strawberries for raspberries for a tangier finish.

Vanilla Orange Twist:
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract at the end for a warm, sweet depth.

Spiced Wine Version:
Replace 1/4 cup orange juice with red wine for a mulled-wine jam.

Apple Cranberry Christmas Jam:
Add 1 diced apple for natural sweetness and texture.

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Serving Suggestions

• Spread on biscuits, croissants, toast, or scones
• Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt
• Use as a glaze for ham or chicken
• Spoon over cheesecake or ice cream
• Fill thumbprint cookies or pastries

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Storage Information

Refrigerator:
Store for up to 3 weeks.

Freezer:
Freeze jam for up to 6 months.

Shelf-Stable Canning:
Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for up to 1-year shelf life.

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FAQ

Does this jam need pectin?
Cranberries naturally contain pectin, but adding powdered pectin gives a firmer, more consistent texture.

Can I use frozen fruit?
Absolutely—no thawing needed.

Can I make this less sweet?
Yes, but sweetness helps preserve texture and shelf life.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but simmer longer to ensure proper thickening.

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History / Fun Facts

Christmas jam became popular in home kitchens during the mid-20th century when homemade food gifts were cherished holiday traditions. The combination of cranberries and strawberries mirrors classic holiday flavors—bright, cheerful, and perfect for festive gatherings. Cranberries themselves have deep roots in holiday meals, symbolizing harvest, warmth, and celebration. Blending them with citrus and spices creates a jam that feels nostalgic yet timeless, capturing the heart of the season in every jar.