Homemade Christmas Jam Recipe

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Homemade Christmas Jam is a festive, fruity, and beautifully spiced holiday spread that captures the cozy flavors of the season. Made with cranberries, strawberries, warm cinnamon, and a hint of citrus, this jam brings a perfect balance of sweet and tart. It’s wonderful on toast, biscuits, pancakes, yogurt bowls, or even as a holiday gift in jars. With simple ingredients and an easy stovetop method, this jam fills your kitchen with the aroma of Christmas and delivers a delicious, jewel-toned treat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: Makes about 4 cups of jam

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled)
  • 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for warmth)
  • 1/3 cup water

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, strawberries, orange juice, orange zest, water, and both sugars.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to bubble and the berries soften (about 8–10 minutes).
  3. Use a potato masher or spoon to gently crush the berries as they cook.
  4. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate the spices.
  5. Continue simmering for another 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until the jam thickens. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  6. To test thickness, place a small spoonful on a cold plate—if it doesn’t run, it’s ready.
  7. Once the jam reaches your preferred consistency, remove it from heat.
  8. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to clean, sterilized jars.
  9. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • For smoother jam, blend halfway through cooking or pulse with an immersion blender.
  • Lemon zest can replace orange zest if preferred.
  • Add a splash of apple cider for extra flavor.
  • Reduce sugar slightly for a more tart jam.
  • Perfect for gifting—add a ribbon and a tag!

Nutrition (Per Tablespoon, Approximate)

  • Calories: 38
  • Protein: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 1mg

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