Christmas Jam is a cozy, festive recipe made with strawberries, cranberries, oranges, and warm spices. It’s perfect for home bakers, gift-givers, and anyone who loves adding a little holiday flavor to everyday foods. This recipe is especially helpful during the busy season because it comes together easily and uses simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. Spread it on toast, spoon it over pancakes, or package it in small jars for thoughtful homemade gifts that feel special without being complicated.
Spiced Christmas Jam
Strawberries and cranberries give this jam that perfect mix of sweet and tart, while cinnamon, ginger, and cloves add just enough coziness. The flavor feels comforting without being heavy, which makes it just as nice on a quiet winter morning as it is for something more festive. It’s the kind of jam you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again!
I paired this jam with a fresh loaf of homemade bread and shared it with my next-door neighbors during the holiday season. It was simple, thoughtful, and easy to put together, which made it feel doable even during a busy week. There’s something really special about giving homemade food, especially when it’s made to be enjoyed right away.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This festive jam is small-batch, easy to make, and full of cozy, unique flavors.
- Small batch and easy – Quick to make without taking over your kitchen, perfect for busy winter weeks.
- No added pectin – This delicious jam thickens naturally thanks to the pectin in the cranberries and strawberries, with sugar and orange juice helping it set perfectly.
- Unique and flavorful – The combination of berries and spices makes it stand out!
- Feels special and homemade – Packaging this jam as a gift instantly feels intentional and festive.
- Cozy and comforting – The aroma of fruit and spices makes the kitchen feel cozy and festive.
- Versatile – Enjoy it on toast, with a fresh loaf of bread, spooned over baked brie, or as part of a holiday cheeseboard.
Ingredients for Holiday Jam
With these simple ingredients on hand, making this Christmas Jam is easy, fun, and fills your kitchen with holiday fragrance.
- Fresh cranberries – Rinsed and sorted. These tart berries are packed with natural pectin, helping the jam thicken beautifully while adding a bright, tangy flavor.
- Chopped strawberries – Their natural sweetness balances the cranberries and gives the jam a rich, fruity depth.
- Orange juice – Adds a touch of acidity to help the jam set and enhances the bright berry flavors.
- Orange zest – Provides a fresh, citrusy aroma that complements the berries and spices.
- Sugar – Sweetens the jam and works with the natural pectin to help it thicken perfectly.
- Cinnamon – Adds cozy warmth and a hint of spice that feels festive and comforting.
- Nutmeg – A pinch enhances the overall flavor, giving the jam a subtle, aromatic depth.
- Cloves – Just a small amount adds extra warmth and complexity, perfect for a holiday-inspired flavor.
Easy Christmas Jam Recipe
Follow these simple steps to turn fresh berries and cupboard spices into a cozy, homemade preserve that’s perfect for breakfast or gifting.
STEP 1: Prep your ingredients and tools. Getting organized before you start makes cooking much smoother and more enjoyable.
- Gather a heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, a spatula or wooden spoon, and some clean kitchen towels.
- Measure the ingredients.
- Wash 3 half-pint mason jars and their lids with hot, soapy water.
STEP 2: Add the fruit. Add the cranberries, strawberries, orange juice, and zest to a medium saucepan.
STEP 3: Cook and soften. Bring the fruit mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir often, and gently mash the berries as they cook so the jam reaches a nice, thick consistency.
STEP 4: Sweeten and spice. Stir in the sugar and spices, then continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the jam has thickened to your liking.
STEP 5: Cool and set. Remove the pan from heat. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
STEP 6: Jar and store. Spoon the jam into clean jars. This recipe makes about 3 half-pint jars—perfect for gifting or enjoying at home. Seal the jars and store in the fridge, or give one to a friend for a thoughtful homemade treat.
STEP 7: Store for later. Since this jam isn’t processed in a water bath, it needs to be kept in the fridge or freezer to stay fresh. Store in the freezer for up to 12 months, and once thawed, enjoy within 2–3 weeks.
Common Questions About Christmas Jam
Have questions about making, storing, or enjoying Christmas Jam? Here are some answers to help you get the most out of this cozy, festive treat.
Q: What is Christmas Jam?
A: Christmas Jam is a festive fruit spread made with berries like strawberries and cranberries and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with baked goods, or gifting in jars.
Q: How do I store Christmas Jam?
A: Since this jam isn’t processed in a water bath, keep it in the fridge or freezer. Frozen jam lasts up to 12 months, and once thawed, use within 2–3 weeks.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the jam in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. It’s perfect for planning gifts or holiday meals ahead of time.
Q: Do I need powdered pectin or liquid pectin?
A: No! This jam thickens naturally thanks to the natural pectin in cranberries and strawberries, with sugar and orange juice helping it set perfectly.
Q: Can I use frozen berries?
A: Yes! Frozen cranberries and strawberries work just as well as fresh. They cook down into a rich, flavorful jam with the same cozy taste.
More Small-Batch Jam Recipes
If you love this Christmas Jam, you’ll enjoy trying some of our other homemade spreads. Each one is full of flavor and easy to make.
- Strawberry Jam – A classic favorite that’s naturally sweet and versatile.
- Black Currant Jam – Bold, tangy, and packed with rich flavor.
- Blueberry Jam – Sweet and juicy, perfect for breakfast or desserts.
- Apple Scrap Jelly – A clever way to use apple peels and cores, resulting in a fragrant, light jelly.
Save This Recipe
Love cozy, homemade jams? Pin this Christmas Jam recipe to keep it handy for holiday breakfasts, thoughtful gifts, or anytime you want a sweet and festive treat.
Christmas Jam
Ingredients
- 10 oz cranberries
- 10 oz strawberries chopped
- 8 fl oz orange juice
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 10½ oz white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon ground
- ¼ tsp nutmeg ground
- ¼ tsp cloves ground
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients and tools: Measure the ingredients. Wash 3 half-pint mason jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Gather a medium saucepan, spatula, and kitchen towels.
- Cook the berries: Place the cranberries, strawberries, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Soften the fruit: Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring often. Gently mash the fruit as it cooks so the jam reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Add sugar and spices: Stir in sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and optional ground cloves. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Cool the jam: Remove the saucepan from heat. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Jar the jam: Spoon the jam into clean half-pint jars. Seal and store in the fridge, or gift immediately.
- Store for later: Since this jam isn’t processed in a water bath, store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 12 months. Once thawed, use within 2–3 weeks.
Want even more?
Make sure to follow on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more easy crafts, activities, recipes, and parenting tips. And don’t forget to subscribe to our emails.