When the holiday season rolls around, few things are as heartwarming as the aroma of simmering fruit and spices filling the kitchen. Homemade Christmas Jam is a festive blend of strawberries, cranberries, sugar, and a touch of warm spice that captures the very essence of the holiday season in a jar. This jam is not just a spread for toast or biscuits—it’s a homemade gift, a way to share love, comfort, and cheer with family and friends. The jewel-red color, the balance of tart cranberries with sweet strawberries, and the subtle background of cinnamon and cloves make this recipe a true holiday treasure.
Why Christmas Jam?
Unlike ordinary jams, Christmas Jam is designed to be special. Cranberries, a classic holiday fruit, bring tartness and a vibrant ruby hue, while strawberries balance the flavor with sweetness. Adding a pinch of festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warming aroma that feels like Christmas morning in every spoonful. This jam pairs beautifully with biscuits, croissants, pancakes, or even as a glaze for roasted meats like ham or turkey. Best of all, it makes an excellent homemade gift for neighbors, coworkers, or family members when packaged in pretty jars tied with ribbon.
Ingredients
To prepare about 6 half-pint jars of Christmas Jam, you’ll need:
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2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (whole, rinsed and picked through)
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2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled and chopped)
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4 cups granulated sugar
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1 packet powdered fruit pectin (about 1.75 ounces)
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1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground cloves
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½ teaspoon nutmeg
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Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra brightness)
Equipment You’ll Need
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Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or jam pot
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Potato masher or immersion blender (to break down fruit)
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Sterilized glass jars with lids and rings
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Canning funnel and ladle
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Water-bath canner or large stockpot with rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Jars
Before starting the jam, sterilize your jars. Wash them in hot, soapy water, then place them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Keep them warm until ready to fill. This ensures your jam is stored safely and prevents bacteria from growing.
2. Cook the Fruit
In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, strawberries, and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. As the fruit softens, use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down the chunks into a smoother texture.
3. Add the Spices
Once the fruit is mashed, stir in cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and the orange zest. This spice blend creates the signature holiday flavor of Christmas Jam. Allow it to simmer for 5–7 minutes so the spices infuse the fruit mixture.
4. Add Pectin
Stir in the powdered pectin, making sure it dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down).
5. Add the Sugar
Once the fruit is boiling, add the sugar all at once. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar. Return the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for exactly 1 minute, continuing to stir. This step is crucial for proper setting of the jam.
6. Test the Set
To test if your jam has set, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and tilt it slightly. If it wrinkles and doesn’t run, it’s ready. If not, boil for another 1–2 minutes.
7. Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼-inch of headspace. Wipe the rims with a clean damp cloth, place the lids on, and screw the bands fingertip tight.
8. Process in a Water Bath
Place the filled jars into a boiling water canner. Process for 10 minutes to ensure safe preservation. Once done, carefully remove the jars and let them cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. You’ll hear the satisfying “ping” of the lids sealing as they cool.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store sealed jars of Christmas Jam in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.
Serving Ideas
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Spread on warm toast, scones, or biscuits for breakfast.
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Use as a festive topping for cheesecake or pound cake.
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Swirl into plain yogurt or oatmeal for a holiday twist.
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Pair with a charcuterie board alongside cheeses like brie or cream cheese.
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Brush over ham or turkey as a glaze during roasting.
Gifting Christmas Jam
One of the most delightful aspects of this recipe is that it makes a perfect homemade gift. Pour your jam into small decorative jars, add a festive ribbon or twine, and attach a handwritten label with the date and flavor. Pair it with fresh baked bread or a set of holiday cookies, and you have a thoughtful, personal gift straight from your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Jam is more than just a condiment—it’s a way to bottle up the spirit of the season. Each spoonful delivers the tang of cranberries, the sweetness of strawberries, and the warmth of holiday spices. Making this jam is not only easy but also a rewarding tradition that can be passed down from generation to generation. Whether you enjoy it at breakfast with your family or gift it to a friend, this jam is sure to bring a touch of festive cheer to any holiday table.
