A Festive, Homemade Treat That Tastes Like Holiday Magic
When winter settles in and the world outside turns quiet and crisp, few things evoke the warmth of the season like opening a jar of homemade Christmas Jam. Its deep ruby glow, bright citrus aroma, and harmony of berries and spices capture everything we love about the holidays—comfort, nostalgia, and a little sparkle of magic. As we prepare for gatherings, gift-giving, and cozy mornings by the fire, this timeless jam becomes more than a recipe. It becomes a cherished holiday tradition.
Why Christmas Jam Is a Beloved Holiday Classic
This cranberry-strawberry Christmas Jam brings together the season’s most iconic flavors in a beautifully balanced spread. We combine tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, fresh orange zest, and cozy spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to create a jam that tastes like Christmas morning in every spoonful.
What makes this jam so special?
- A harmonious flavor blend of tart, sweet, and bright citrus notes
- Vibrant color perfect for gifting and entertaining
- Simple preparation, ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks
- Freezer- and canning-friendly, ensuring year-round enjoyment
- Perfect for holiday breakfasts, charcuterie boards, and edible gifts
This jam is more than a condiment—it’s a heartfelt, homemade touch that elevates every celebration.
Ingredients for the Best Homemade Christmas Jam
To achieve the perfect texture and festive flavor, we use high-quality, real-food ingredients. Each component plays a key role in balancing sweetness, tartness, and depth.
For the Jam:
- 2 cups (200g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened apple juice – adds natural pectin and subtle sweetness
- Zest and juice of 1 medium orange
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 (3 oz) pouch liquid fruit pectin (Ball or Sure-Jell recommended)
No artificial flavors. No artificial colors. Just real fruit simmered to perfection.
Pro Tip: Organic fruit yields a brighter flavor profile and better preservation quality.
How to Make Christmas Jam — Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is designed to produce consistently perfect results: rich color, glossy texture, and a balanced flavor that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Step 1: Simmer the Fruit
In a large heavy-bottomed pot:
- Combine cranberries, strawberries, apple juice, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and begin to burst.
Use a potato masher or immersion blender to crush the fruit to your desired texture—chunky or smooth.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Spices
Stir in:
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, one that continues bubbling even when stirred. Boil for 1 full minute, stirring constantly.
This ensures a proper set and helps the jam reach the ideal consistency.
Step 3: Add the Pectin
Remove the pot from heat.
- Stir in the liquid pectin thoroughly for 30 seconds.
- Avoid boiling after adding the pectin, as this can affect the final set.
This step is critical to achieving a spreadable, glossy, beautifully thick jam.
Step 4: Fill the Jars
Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims clean
- Secure the lids
- Allow jars to cool at room temperature
Your kitchen will now smell like cinnamon, citrus, and holiday joy.
Storage Options for Long-Lasting Holiday Flavor
We offer three safe, practical storage options depending on your plans for enjoying or gifting your jam.
Refrigerator — Up to 3 Weeks
Cool completely, seal, and store. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.
Freezer — Up to 1 Year
Use freezer-safe jars and leave extra headspace to prevent cracking.
Water Bath Canning — Up to 1 Year Shelf-Stable
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes
- Let cool
- Ensure lids are sealed (they should not flex when pressed)
Label each jar with the date and title for easy gifting and storing.
Creative Ways to Gift Homemade Christmas Jam
Christmas Jam is one of the most thoughtful and charming edible gifts you can give. It’s personal, heartfelt, and universally loved.
Enhance your jar with:
- Burlap ribbon or twine
- Handwritten labels
- Mini wooden spoons
- Holiday gift tags such as “Made with Love — Share the Joy”
- Pairings like brie cheese, baked crackers, or hot cocoa mix
For an elevated gifting experience, assemble a Holiday Jam Trio with three unique seasonal flavors.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Jam Every Time
- Taste before adding pectin — adjust sweetness or spice levels early
- Use a wide pot to promote quicker evaporation and thicker jam
- Test the set using the classic cold spoon method
- Switch to low-sugar pectin for a lighter version
- Add-ins for flair: vanilla, ginger, or a splash of brandy
These tips guarantee a jam that’s glossy, spreadable, and full of seasonal character.
How to Serve Christmas Jam
This festive jam pairs beautifully with countless holiday foods and moments:
- Warm buttered toast or scones on Christmas morning
- Charcuterie boards with brie, goat cheese, or cheddar
- Holiday brunch spreads
- Thumbprint cookies or jam bars
- Glazing roast meats or ham
- Stirring into yogurt, oatmeal, or cocktails
- Sharing with friends who “don’t normally like jam” — they’ll be converted
Every spoonful adds a burst of holiday charm.
A Final Note: Preserving Love in a Jar
When we create Christmas Jam, we’re not just stirring fruit and sugar. We’re preserving memories. We’re bottling holiday magic. We’re giving something made by hand, from the heart.
Whether you spread it on warm bread, add it to a cheese board, or gift it to someone special, this jam offers a moment of joy—one that lingers long after the holidays end.