Christmas Jam Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: About 6 half-pint (8 oz) jars
Difficulty: Medium
Description
Sweet, tangy, and infused with holiday warmth, this Christmas Jam recipe is a homemade treasure that captures the magic of the season in every spoonful. Made with cranberries, strawberries, festive spices, and citrus, this jam is perfect for gifting, spreading on toast, spooning over cream cheese, or enjoying straight from the jar.
It’s a cozy and delicious way to celebrate the holidays—and a wonderful DIY gift for neighbors, friends, or holiday hosts. This jam is easy to make, stores beautifully, and fills your kitchen with the warm scent of Christmas.
Ingredients
🍓 Fruit Base:
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups frozen strawberries (or fresh, hulled)
- 1 (1.75 oz) box fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 5 cups granulated sugar
🎄 Holiday Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed pot
- Potato masher or immersion blender
- Wooden spoon
- Canning jars (6 half-pints) with lids
- Funnel and ladle
- Canning pot or water bath setup
- Clean towel or paper towels
- Jar lifter (for safe handling)
Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Jars
Intensity: Low
Time: 10 minutes
- Wash jars, lids, and rings in warm soapy water.
- Sterilize jars by placing them in a large canning pot with simmering water (not boiling). Keep them hot while you prepare the jam.
- Set lids and rings aside in hot (not boiling) water.
💡 Pro Tip: Keeping the jars hot prevents cracking when hot jam is added.
🔹 Step 2: Cook the Fruit Mixture
Intensity: Medium
Time: 10–15 minutes
- In a large pot, combine cranberries, strawberries, orange juice, orange zest, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until cranberries begin to pop and strawberries soften—about 10 minutes.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down the fruit to your desired texture (smooth or chunky).
🔹 Step 3: Add the Pectin and Spices
Intensity: Medium
Time: 2–3 minutes
- Stir in the fruit pectin and continue stirring constantly.
- Add cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Bring to a rolling boil over high heat—a boil that doesn’t stop when you stir.
🌟 Holiday Tip: The spices can be adjusted to taste. Want it spicier? Add a pinch more clove or cinnamon!
🔹 Step 4: Add the Sugar and Boil
Intensity: High
Time: 5 minutes
- Add all the sugar at once and stir until fully dissolved.
- Return the mixture to a rolling boil and boil hard for 1 full minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam if needed.
🧪 Jam Tip: To test for doneness, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.
🔹 Step 5: Fill the Jars
Intensity: Medium
Time: 10 minutes
- Using a funnel, ladle hot jam into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
- Wipe rims clean with a damp towel.
- Place lids on top and screw on bands until fingertip tight.
🔹 Step 6: Process the Jars
Intensity: Medium
Time: 10 minutes
- Place jars in a boiling water bath canner, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of water.
- Bring to a full boil and process for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude if necessary).
- Remove jars and let them cool on a towel or rack for 24 hours.
✅ Seal Check: After 24 hours, press the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop up, the jar is sealed.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread over toast, English muffins, or biscuits
- Serve with brie or cream cheese and crackers
- Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
- Use as a glaze for roasted meats or poultry
- Layer into trifles or thumbprint cookies for a festive twist
Storage Instructions
- Sealed Jars: Store in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.
- Opened Jars: Refrigerate after opening and use within 2–3 weeks.
- Freezing Option: If you skip water bath processing, the jam can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Nutrition Information (Per 1 tablespoon serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
Note: This is an estimate and may vary depending on fruit and sugar content.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam
- 🎁 Perfect for Gifting: Looks festive and tastes amazing
- 🎄 Holiday Flavors: Packed with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest
- 🫙 Preserves Beautifully: Long shelf life with proper canning
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour
- 🌿 Customizable: Use raspberries, blueberries, or adjust the spice blend
Customization Tips
- Make it Spicier: Add ginger or a pinch of cayenne for a surprise twist
- Berry Swap: Use raspberries instead of strawberries for a tangier version
- Citrus Change: Try blood orange or add grapefruit zest for a fun variation
- Low Sugar Option: Use low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar by half (results in a softer set)
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes! Frozen cranberries and strawberries work great. No need to thaw—just extend cooking time by 5–7 minutes.
Do I need to use pectin?
For a firm set and a shorter cooking time, yes. Natural pectin in cranberries helps, but commercial pectin ensures consistent results.
What if my jam doesn’t set?
Let it sit for 24 hours. If still runny, you can re-cook it with more pectin or use it as a syrup or glaze!
