Name: Christmas Jam Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz cranberries (one bag); 1 lb strawberries, hulled and chopped; Zest of one orange; Fruit of one orange, peeled and chopped; ¼ cup water or orange juice; 4 cups sugar; 1 cinnamon stick

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to capture the cozy spirit of the holiday season in a jar, this Christmas Jam is the perfect treat to make and share. Bursting with the vibrant tang of cranberries, the sweet juiciness of strawberries, and the bright, citrusy zing of fresh orange, this jam sings festive flavors that are sure to brighten any breakfast table or holiday spread. The addition of warm cinnamon gives it that unmistakable seasonal warmth, making it a charming and delicious way to celebrate the holidays any day of the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Jam recipe is wonderfully straightforward, focusing on fresh, simple ingredients that build on each other to create a rich, deeply flavored jam. Each component plays a specific role, from sweetness to tartness to spice, ensuring every spoonful is a delightful experience.

12 oz cranberries: These give the jam its signature tart punch and beautiful, vibrant red color.
1 lb strawberries: Their natural sweetness balances the cranberries perfectly and adds a lovely texture.
Zest and chopped fruit of one orange: Fresh orange brings a citrus brightness and complexity that lifts the whole jam.
¼ cup water (or orange juice): Helps to gently cook down the fruit and infuse a subtle extra citrus flavor if you use juice.
4 cups sugar: Essential to sweeten the tart fruit and help the jam set with a glossy finish.
1 cinnamon stick: Adds a warm, comforting spice that evokes holiday cheer with every bite.

How to Make Christmas Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit

Begin by thoroughly rinsing your cranberries and strawberries. Hull and chop the strawberries into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. In your largest pot, combine the cranberries, chopped strawberries, zesty orange peel, peeled and diced orange flesh, and either water or orange juice. This fresh fruit mixture forms the vibrant base of your Christmas Jam.

Step 2: Sweeten and Spice

Add the sugar to the pot along with a cinnamon stick. Gently stir over medium heat to dissolve the sugar fully. This step not only sweetens the fruit but begins releasing the warm cinnamon oils, infusing the jam with a subtle festive aroma as it heats.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Over about 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll see the fruit break down and the mixture thicken into that luscious jam consistency we all love.

Step 4: Test for the Perfect Set

To check if your Christmas Jam has set properly, spoon a small portion onto a cold plate and leave it a moment. If it firms up and wrinkles when you push it, it’s ready. For more precision, you can use an instant-read thermometer—the jam sets at 220°F at sea level, adjusting slightly based on your elevation.

Step 5: Jar and Seal or Refrigerate

Once your jam has reached the perfect consistency, pour it while hot into sterilized jars, leaving about a quarter-inch headspace. Cap with two-part canning lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes or 15 minutes if you’re at higher elevation. This ensures a safe seal and preserves the jam’s fresh flavors for months. Alternatively, skip the canning step for a quick refrigerator jam—simply cap the jars tightly and store them in the fridge.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Allow your jars to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Properly sealed jars will keep your Christmas Jam fresh and flavorful for 12 to 18 months on the shelf. Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy the magic within a few weeks.

How to Serve Christmas Jam

Garnishes

To elevate your Christmas Jam experience, consider garnishing with a fresh sprig of mint or a thin twist of orange peel. These little touches add a pop of color and a subtle aromatic hint that complements the jam’s rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Christmas Jam pairs exceptionally well with warm, buttery toast or flaky pastries. It’s also a knockout alongside creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, turning any cheese board into a festive feast. Don’t forget to offer it next to roasted meats or turkey for a sweet, tangy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not bring some cheer to your holiday table by serving the Christmas Jam in mini mason jars tied with twine and a festive tag? Or swirl it into plain yogurt for an instant seasonal parfait. You can even spoon it over vanilla ice cream for a fun and unexpected dessert twist that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any jam left after your holiday celebrations, no worries—it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to a month once opened. Just make sure to keep the jar tightly sealed to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, Christmas Jam freezes well. Simply pour the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.

Reheating

If you want to serve your jam warm, gently reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and bring back that lovely spreadable texture. Warm jam is especially wonderful spooned over pancakes or waffles for a cozy winter breakfast.

FAQs

Can I substitute the strawberries with another berry?

Absolutely! Raspberries or blueberries can be fantastic alternatives if you want to experiment, though strawberries add a specific sweetness and texture that balances the tart cranberries perfectly.

Is it necessary to use a cinnamon stick?

While optional, the cinnamon stick adds a warm, festive depth to the jam that really complements the citrus and berry flavors, making it a beloved characteristic of Christmas Jam.

Do I have to sterilize the jars if I’m just refrigerating the jam?

You don’t have to sterilize jars if you plan to keep the jam in the fridge and consume it within a few weeks. However, sterilizing extends storage life and is essential if canning for room-temperature shelf storage.

How long does Christmas Jam last if canned properly?

Properly sealed and canned jars will maintain peak quality for 12 to 18 months when stored in a cool, dark place. Always check seals and appearance before use.

Can I make this recipe less sweet?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar helps the jam set and preserves it. Too little sugar might affect the texture and shelf life.

Final Thoughts

Making Christmas Jam is a joyful way to bring a little festive magic into your kitchen all year round. Its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma make it an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether on toast, paired with cheese, or gifted to friends and family. Dive into this recipe with enthusiasm and share the love of a truly special homemade jam that captures the spirit of the holidays in every spoonful.

Christmas Jam Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 5 half-pint jars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries, strawberries, and orange zest to create a festive and flavorful preserve perfect for holiday breakfasts and gifts. Sweetened with sugar and infused with cinnamon, this jam offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet, with a warm spiced aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Ingredients

12 oz cranberries (one bag)
1 lb strawberries, hulled and chopped
Zest of one orange
Fruit of one orange, peeled and chopped

Liquid and Sweetener

¼ cup water or orange juice
4 cups sugar

Spices

1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

Prepare the Fruits: Rinse cranberries and strawberries thoroughly. Hull and chop the strawberries, then combine them with the cranberries, peeled and chopped orange flesh, orange zest, and your choice of water or orange juice in a large pot to start the jam base.
Add Sugar and Spice: Stir in 4 cups of sugar along with one cinnamon stick. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to heat evenly.
Cook the Jam: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the jam to thicken and the flavors to meld.
Test for Setting: To check if the jam is ready, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it cool for a minute. If it firms up, it’s set. Alternatively, use an instant-read thermometer; jam sets at 220°F at sea level, adjusting 1°F lower for every 500 feet of elevation above sea level.
Jar the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a ¼ inch headspace. Seal with two-part canning lids. Process in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes, or for 15 minutes if above 6,000 feet elevation, to ensure safe sealing.
Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place where they will keep at peak quality for 12-18 months. Once opened, refrigerate the jam. Alternatively, skip canning and store as refrigerator jam, simply capping jars and refrigerating immediately.

Notes

You can substitute water with orange juice for a more citrusy flavor.
The cinnamon stick adds a warm spice note; it can be removed before jarring if desired.
Adjust sugar quantity to taste but remember sugar helps with preservation and setting.
Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized before filling to avoid spoilage.
Jam sets at different temperatures depending on your altitude, so adjust accordingly.
This jam is perfect for gifting when canned properly or serving fresh during the holiday season.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Preserves, Spreads
Method: Boiling, Simmering, Water Bath Canning
Cuisine: American