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Homemade Christmas Jam — A Festive, Fragrant Holiday Preserve to Gift and Enjoy
One of the most treasured traditions of the holiday season is gathering in the kitchen to make homemade gifts for friends and loved ones. From cookies and candies to breads and spiced treats, nothing captures the magic of Christmas quite like food made with love. Homemade Christmas Jam, with its vibrant ruby-red color, warm seasonal spices, and bright fruit flavor, is one of the most beloved edible gifts you can prepare.
This jam is a delightful blend of cranberries, strawberries, citrus, and holiday spices. It tastes like Christmas in a jar — sweet, slightly tart, warmly spiced, and wonderfully aromatic. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, spoon it onto muffins, drizzle it over brie, or give it as a beautiful gift that looks and tastes like pure holiday joy.
Christmas Jam is surprisingly easy to prepare, requires only a handful of ingredients, and makes multiple jars that last for months. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a complete beginner, this recipe walks you through the process step by step.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete understanding of how to make perfect Christmas Jam — plus tips, variations, serving ideas, and the best canning advice for long-lasting and gift-worthy jars.
⭐ Why Homemade Christmas Jam Is So Special
1. It Truly Tastes Like Christmas
The blend of cranberries and strawberries creates a perfectly balanced sweet–tart base. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg add that warm, nostalgic holiday flavor.
2. It Makes Beautiful, Thoughtful Gifts
A decorated jar with ribbon, fabric, or a tag becomes a meaningful, homemade present everyone will adore.
3. Easy to Make & Beginner-Friendly
Christmas Jam doesn’t require any complicated techniques. If you can simmer fruit, you can make this jam.
4. Perfect for Breakfast, Snacks, and Holiday Dining
Spread it, swirl it, drizzle it — it adds festive flair to almost anything.
5. Long Shelf Life
When canned properly, this jam stays fresh for up to a year, making it ideal for make-ahead gifting.
⭐ Ingredients for Homemade Christmas Jam
Fruit Base
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Sugar & Spices
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
⭐ Instructions (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Fruit
- Rinse cranberries thoroughly and drain.
- Hull strawberries if fresh; thaw if frozen.
- Add cranberries, strawberries, orange juice, orange zest, and lemon juice to a large pot.
- Heat over medium-high until mixture begins to soften.
- Use a potato masher to break down the fruit.
2. Add Pectin
- Stir in the powdered pectin.
- Bring mixture to a strong boil, stirring constantly.
3. Add Sugar & Spices
- Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Stir well until fully dissolved.
- Return to a full, rolling boil — the kind that doesn’t stop when stirred.
- Boil hard for 1 minute.
4. Check Consistency
- Remove pot from heat.
- Skim off foam if necessary.
- Place a spoonful onto a cold plate and wait 30 seconds — if it gels, it’s ready.
5. Fill Jars
- Ladle hot jam into clean, warm jars.
- Leave ¼-inch headspace.
- Wipe rims clean and apply lids and rings.
6. Process Jars (Optional for Long-Term Storage)
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove and let cool undisturbed.
- Listen for the “pop” that signals a good seal.
7. Store or Gift
- Store sealed jars in pantry for up to 12 months.
- Refrigerate after opening.
Homemade Christmas Jam
A festive holiday jam made with cranberries, strawberries, citrus, and warm spices. Perfect for gifting and spreading seasonal cheer.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add cranberries, strawberries, orange juice, orange zest, and lemon juice to a large pot and heat until softened.
- Mash the fruit gently with a potato masher.
- Stir in powdered pectin and bring to a strong boil.
- Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until dissolved.
- Return mixture to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
- Check gel consistency using a chilled plate.
- Ladle hot jam into clean jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
- Process jars in boiling water bath for 10 minutes if long-term storage is desired.
- Cool jars and store properly once sealed.
Notes
For smoother jam, blend half the fruit before cooking. Great for gifting!
⭐ Tips for the Best Christmas Jam
Use Fresh Cranberries
They give jam its signature tartness and deep color.
Frozen Strawberries Work Perfectly
They break down beautifully and are available year-round.
Don’t Skip the Citrus
Orange and lemon brighten and balance the sweetness.
Add sugar only after pectin boils
Pectin activates best when heated first.
Want a smoother jam?
Blend 50% of the mixture before adding sugar.
⭐ Variations
Mulled Christmas Jam
Simmer fruit with whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Strain before adding sugar.
Berry Christmas Jam
Replace strawberries with raspberries or a mixed berry blend.
Low-Sugar Version
Use low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar to 2 cups.
Spiced Vanilla Christmas Jam
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract after cooking.
⭐ Serving Suggestions
- Spread on toast, biscuits, English muffins
- Pair with cream cheese on crackers
- Spoon over yogurt or oatmeal
- Drizzle over baked brie
- Swirl into cheesecake batter
- Use as filling for cookies or thumbprints
- Add to holiday cocktails or mulled wine
⭐ Fun Facts
- Cranberries are one of the only fruits native to North America, making this jam a uniquely American holiday tradition.
- Christmas jams became popular in the 1970s as homemade gift trends grew.
- The pairing of tart cranberries and sweet berries mimics classic holiday punch flavors.
