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Looking for a festive way to share the joy of the holiday season? This Christmas jam recipe is the perfect answer. Made with cranberries, strawberries, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, this homemade jam brings the best flavors of the season into a beautiful jar. Not only is it bursting with sweet‑tart flavor, but it also makes a thoughtful and affordable edible gift for family, friends, teachers, or neighbours. With just five core ingredients and no advanced canning skills required, it’s simple enough for beginners and delicious enough to become a holiday tradition.
In this post, you will learn exactly how to make this Christmas jam recipe, how to store and gift it, and how to customise it for your palate. We’ll dive into the science behind setting jam, provide extra tips for success, and explore creative uses that go beyond spreadable toast.
What Is Christmas Jam?
Christmas jam is a seasonal fruit preserve that typically features a blend of cranberries and strawberries, sweetened with sugar and spiced with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. It is bright red, festive in appearance, and filled with the nostalgic flavours of the holidays.
This particular Christmas jam recipe is designed to evoke those festive scents and colours — think of red berries, deep fragrance, and the kind of rustic charm you find in handmade holiday gifts.
Why call it a “Christmas” jam? Because its flavour profile (cranberries + strawberries + spices) resonates with holiday palettes, colours, and the notion of preserving fruits when fresh ones are abundant. It becomes more than a jam — it’s a seasonal experience in a jar.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam Recipe
- Just 5 basic ingredients (beyond the optional spices/toppings) — making it approachable
- Quick to prepare: less than 30 minutes active time in many cases
- Freezer‑friendly and safe for simple water-bath canning if you choose
- Festive flavour profile — pairs beautifully with sweet and savoury foods
- Ideal for gifting — budget‑friendly, customisable, and it carries handmade charm
Even if you have never made preserves before, this Christmas jam recipe is designed to succeed — the technique is clear, the ingredients simple, and the end result joyful.
Ingredients for Christmas Jam Recipe
To make this Christmas jam recipe, you will need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, if fresh unavailable)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 (3 oz) pouch liquid fruit pectin
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
These simple ingredients are chosen to create a deep red jam that tastes like holiday magic in a jar. The cranberries bring tartness, the strawberries bring sweetness and body, the sugar ensures set and preservation, and the spices bring that “Christmas” feeling.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need professional equipment to make this Christmas jam recipe, but the following tools will make the process smoother:
- A large saucepan or Dutch oven with enough capacity for bubbling fruit
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
- Potato masher or immersion blender (optional) if you prefer smoother texture
- Canning jars (half‑pint size works well: about 8 oz) with new lids and bands
- A ladle and funnel (for neat jar filling)
- Water bath canner (optional) if you plan to process jars for shelf stability
- A wide pot is ideal because bubbling jam can overflow if the pot is too shallow
Tip: Choose a pot that is no more than half full when you start — jam will expand and foam as it boils.
The Science Behind the Set: Why This Christmas Jam Recipe Works
Understanding what happens behind the scenes helps ensure your Christmas jam recipe turns out perfectly every time. The key elements are fruit + sugar + acid + heat + (in this case) pectin. Bon Appétit+2Serious Eats+2
- Pectin: A naturally occurring carbohydrate in fruit that forms a gel when combined with sugar and acid, then heated to the correct temperature. Serious Eats+1
- Sugar: Apart from sweetness, sugar helps draw out water from the fruit and allows the pectin network to form. Bon Appétit
- Acid (e.g., lemon juice): Helps ensure the pectin is activated and the jam is safe (low pH). thekitchn.com+1
- Heat & evaporation: Causes the fruit mixture to reduce, the sugar concentration to increase, the pectin to gel, and eventually set. Serious Eats
In this Christmas jam recipe, the interplay of these elements—cranberries (naturally higher in pectin), strawberries (lower pectin but abundant flavour), sugar, lemon juice, and liquid pectin—ensures a beautiful set and festive taste.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make This Christmas Jam Recipe
1. Prep the Fruit
Rinse the cranberries and strawberries thoroughly. Hull the strawberries and halve or quarter them. Place both fruits in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the ½ cup water.
2. Simmer and Mash
Heat the fruit over medium heat. As it begins to simmer, use a potato masher to gently crush the strawberries and cranberries so juices are released. Continue simmering about 10 minutes until the cranberries start to pop and the mixture is fragrant.
3. Add Sugar and Spices
Stir in the sugar, ground cinnamon and ground cloves. Mix until well combined. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil — one where the bubbles cannot be stirred down.
4. Add Liquid Pectin
Pour in the liquid fruit pectin while stirring constantly. Once added, return to a full rolling boil and boil hard for 1 full minute, stirring the entire time. The pectin is now activating to help the jam set.
5. Stir in Lemon Juice
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice. The acid not only balances flavour but also ensures safe preservation.
6. Fill the Jars
Using a scheme: sterilize your jars by washing them in hot soapy water or running them through the dishwasher just before use. Ladle the hot jam into the jars with a funnel, leaving ~¼ inch headspace at the top of each jar. Wipe rims clean, apply the lid and band.
7. Optional: Process for Shelf Stability
If you want to store your jars for months at room temperature (rather than only fridge/freezer), process them in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes. This step is optional if you plan to consume within a few weeks or store in the fridge.
8. Cool, Label & Let Set
Allow jars to cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. You’ll often hear a “pop” as lids seal. Label each with date, flavour (e.g., Christmas Jam), and decoration if gifted.
Employing this clear process ensures your Christmas jam recipe yields bright colour, robust flavour, and reliable set.
Storage and Shelf Life
Here’s how to store your jars from this Christmas jam recipe:
- Refrigerator: If not processed, store sealed jars in the fridge and consume within 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Transfer jam to freezer‑safe jars (leaving extra headspace) and freeze for up to 6 months.
- Processed & Sealed: If you used the water‑bath method and jars sealed correctly, they can last up to 12 months in a cool, dark pantry.
Even though you might not need months of shelf life for seasonal jam, these options allow flexibility whether you’re gifting now or keeping some for later.
Tip: Write the date and “Use By” on each jar: e.g., “Made Dec 2025 — Use by Dec 2026 (if sealed).”
Creative Variations of This Christmas Jam Recipe
While the base is wonderful, there are many fun ways to adapt this Christmas jam recipe for different tastes or occasions:
Orange‑Cranberry Christmas Jam
Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the fruit when cooking, and swap half of the lemon juice for fresh orange juice. This variation adds a bright citrus punch.
Mixed Berry Christmas Jam
Add 1 to 2 cups of raspberries or blackberries alongside the strawberries and cranberries. These berries deepen flavour and texture.
Apple‑Spice Christmas Jam
Replace the strawberries with 4 cups diced apples (peeled). Increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and add a pinch of nutmeg. This version leans into cozy winter comfort.
Low‑Sugar Christmas Jam
Use a low‑sugar pectin product and reduce sugar to about 3 cups instead of 4. Note: This may slightly affect the set and shelf stability – store in fridge or freezer.
Herb‑Infused Christmas Jam
Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme while cooking fruit; remove herb before filling jars. The herb adds aromatic depth and sophistication.
These variations keep the core structure of the Christmas jam recipe intact while letting you customise for flavour, texture, or dietary preference.
How to Use Your Christmas Jam Recipe
This Christmas jam recipe isn’t just for toast. Here are creative ways to use your homemade jam:
- Spread on warm biscuits, scones or croissants for a festive breakfast.
- Serve alongside brie, goat cheese or cheddar on a holiday cheese board.
- Swirl into Greek yoghurt or oatmeal for a tart-sweet twist.
- Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies, cake layers, or tarts.
- Glaze roast ham, pork tenderloin or turkey with a layer of this jam before roasting for a brilliant holiday glaze.
- Spoon over vanilla ice cream or pancakes for a dessert upgrade.
- Stir into cocktails or mocktails like a cranberry‑jam gin fizz or sparkling juice.
Using the jam in inventive ways helps elevate the value of the homemade jars, making them more than just spreads.
Gifting This Christmas Jam Recipe
Homemade jam is one of the most charming edible gifts. Here’s how to make your jars stand out and feel truly special:
- Choose decorative jars: Half‑pint glass jars with gold or plaid lids are ideal.
- Add a handwritten label or printable tag: e.g., “Christmas Jam – Crafted with Love (Dec 2025)”.
- Tie ribbon, twine or festive fabric around the lid.
- Add a small wooden spoon or mini spreader taped to the lid.
- Place the jar in a small gift bag or basket along with homemade bread, scones or small blind cookies.
- Include usage ideas on a tag: “Try on croissants or use as a glaze for holiday ham”.
This presentation turns your Christmas jam recipe into a thoughtful, personalised gift.
Tips & Troubleshooting for the Perfect Christmas Jam Recipe
Here are expert tips to ensure your jam turns out beautifully every time:
- Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice may lack necessary acidity for gelling and safe preservation.
- Stir constantly after adding sugar: Prevents scorching and ensures even distribution.
- Choose the right pot size: If the pot is too full, foam and boil‑over can occur. A pot less than half full is ideal. Serious Eats
- Check the set: Use the frozen spoon or cold plate test — drop a little jam on a chilled plate, let cool for a minute, and see if it wrinkles when pushed gently. thekitchn.com
- Skim off foam: A clear finish looks more professional for gifting.
- Don’t rely on sugar alone for set: Inconsistent fruit or missing pectin/acid can cause failure. Knowing the science behind it (see above) helps.
- Label your jars: Include flavour, date, and usage suggestion.
- Storage caution with low‑sugar versions: If you reduce sugar significantly, store in fridge or freezer rather than relying on shelf stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen fruit for this Christmas jam recipe?
Yes. Just thaw first and drain any excess liquid. Adjust simmer time if fruit is very soft.
Do I need to use pectin?
For reliable set, yes. While some natural jam makers skip commercial pectin, this Christmas jam recipe uses liquid pectin to simplify the process and improve results reliably. (See the science section above.)
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but this may affect the set and shelf stability. If you use low‑sugar pectin or freeze the jam, you can reduce sugar to about 3 cups. Be aware the texture may be slightly softer.
Why didn’t my jam set?
Possible causes include insufficient boil time after adding pectin, too much water in the fruit mixture, missing acid, or over‑ripe fruit with lower natural pectin. Re‑boil gently or try adding a little extra pectin or lemon juice next time.
How many jars does this Christmas jam recipe make?
Approximately 7 to 8 half‑pint (8 oz) jars, depending on how much evaporation you achieve and how tightly you pack the jars.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per tablespoon)
- Calories: 54
- Sugar: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fibre: 0.5 g
- Nutri‑Score: C
This jam is a seasonal indulgence — perfect for adding holiday joy to your breakfast table or gift tray.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas jam recipe is everything a holiday treat should be: easy, festive, full of flavour, and perfect for gifting. Whether you spread it on toast, glaze your holiday roast, or hand out jars to friends, this jam will become a holiday tradition you look forward to each year.
Simple. Beautiful. Delicious. Make a batch today and fill your kitchen with the scents and spirit of Christmas.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Christmas jam recipe, you might also love these festive homemade treats. Try our Christmas Crack recipe for a salty-sweet holiday candy that’s totally addictive, or make a batch of Christmas Jam Recipe: A Festive Homemade Gift Packed with Flavor — another great edible gift idea. For breakfast lovers, our Delicious Gingerbread Cookies Recipe for Christmas – A Festive Holiday Treat! pairs beautifully with this jam and fills your kitchen with holiday aromas. Don’t miss our Christmas Eve Dinner: Fall-Off-the-Bone Balsamic and Brown Sugar Short Ribs