Homemade Christmas Jam Recipe

 

A Festive Holiday Spread with Strawberries, Cranberries, and Warm Spices

Christmas is the season of giving, sharing, and celebrating warmth with loved ones. Few things capture the holiday spirit better than a jar of Homemade Christmas Jam—a sweet, tart, and slightly spiced preserve that brings festive cheer to every bite. This jam combines the sweetness of strawberries, the tang of cranberries, and the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it the perfect gift or treat for your holiday table.

Whether you spread it on warm buttered toast, swirl it into yogurt, layer it in cakes, or package it in pretty jars for thoughtful edible gifts, this recipe will quickly become a Christmas tradition in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam

 

• Festive Flavor Combination: Strawberries and cranberries balance sweetness and tartness beautifully.
• Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add that cozy holiday aroma.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pour into small jars, decorate with ribbons, and share with family and friends.
• Versatile Uses: Delicious on bread, pastries, oatmeal, pancakes, or even as a glaze for meats.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be stored for months, making it an ideal holiday prep item.

Ingredients for Homemade Christmas Jam

Fruits & Sweetener:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
• 5 cups granulated sugar (you may reduce slightly if you prefer less sweetness)
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• Zest of 1 large orange

Spices & Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra depth)

Gelling Agent:

• 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
• 1/2 cup water (for dissolving pectin)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Potato masher (to break down fruits)
• Sterilized glass jars with lids
• Canning funnel and ladle
• Water bath canner (optional, for long-term preservation)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruits

1. Wash and hull the strawberries, then chop them into small pieces.
2. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any that are soft or spoiled.
3. Place both fruits in a large saucepan and lightly mash them with a potato masher to release their juices.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Cook

1. Stir in the orange juice and orange zest.
2. Add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, allowing the cranberries to burst and the strawberries to soften.

Step 3: Add Pectin

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the powdered pectin in 1/2 cup warm water.
2. Stir the pectin mixture into the simmering fruit.
3. Increase the heat and bring the jam to a rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred) for 1–2 minutes.
4. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 4: Test for Doneness

• Place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate and let it sit for 30 seconds.
• Run your finger through the jam—if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s ready.
• If not, continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes and test again.

Step 5: Jar the Jam

1. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
2. Wipe the rims with a clean damp cloth.
3. Seal with sterilized lids and screw on bands until fingertip tight.

Step 6: Preserve (Optional)

• For longer storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
• Remove jars and let them cool completely. You should hear the satisfying “pop” as they seal.

Storage Instructions

 

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 weeks (once opened).
• Pantry (sealed jars): 6–8 months.
• Freezer (in freezer-safe containers): Up to 1 year.

Serving Ideas

• Spread on buttered toast or biscuits.
• Dollop on pancakes, waffles, or crepes.
• Swirl into Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a festive breakfast.
• Use as a cake filling for sponge cakes or cupcakes.
• Glaze over roast ham or turkey for a sweet-savory twist.
• Pair with cheese boards (brie, goat cheese, or cheddar).

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Jam

1. Use Fresh Fruit When Possible: Fresh cranberries and ripe strawberries give the best flavor.
2. Don’t Skip the Orange Zest: It adds a bright, citrusy holiday aroma.
3. Adjust Spices to Taste: Love cinnamon? Add more. Prefer milder flavors? Reduce cloves.
4. Watch the Sugar: Sugar isn’t just for sweetness—it helps with preservation and texture.
5. Decorate Your Jars: Add ribbons, labels, or small ornaments to make them gift-ready.

Variations You Can Try

• Mixed Berry Christmas Jam: Add blueberries or raspberries for extra depth.
• Apple-Cranberry Jam: Replace strawberries with diced apples for a spiced apple version.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use low-sugar pectin and reduce sugar by half.
• Alcohol-Infused Jam: Add 2 tablespoons of brandy or Grand Marnier at the end for an adult twist.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Christmas Jam is more than just a preserve—it’s a jar full of holiday memories. The balance of sweet strawberries, tart cranberries, and warm spices creates a comforting flavor that feels like Christmas morning in every spoonful. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or enjoying it with your holiday breakfast, this jam is guaranteed to spread joy.

So this season, instead of buying store-bought gifts, make a batch of this beautiful, ruby-red jam and share the sweetness of the holidays with everyone you love.