The Best Christmas Jam Recipe

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There’s something magical about the moment you open a jar of homemade Christmas jam. The scent of cranberries, strawberries, oranges, and holiday spice instantly transports you to cozy December mornings. This jam isn’t just a condiment—it’s a nostalgic spread of warmth, a spoonful of the season captured in every ruby-red dollop.

Perfect on fresh-baked biscuits or slathered onto warm toast, this Christmas jam is a festive must-have. It’s fruity, lightly spiced, and sweet enough to gift or serve at your next holiday brunch. Whether you’re making it for yourself or bottling it up in mason jars for loved ones, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam Recipe

This jam brings together the vibrant sweetness of strawberries and the tart zing of cranberries, rounded out with a touch of orange zest and juice. It’s beautifully spiced with cinnamon and cloves, giving it that unmistakable Christmas flair. Even better? It’s a no-fuss recipe that makes multiple jars in one go, making it ideal for gifting. The color is deep and jewel-like, and it keeps well in the fridge or freezer.

What Kind of Fruit Should I Use in Christmas Jam?

Fresh or frozen berries both work well, making this recipe super flexible based on what’s available. Frozen cranberries and strawberries are easy to find during the holidays, and they cook down perfectly. If you’re using fresh, just make sure the fruit is ripe and washed. A fresh orange adds that burst of citrus brightness, and bottled lemon juice provides the acid balance necessary for safe preserving.

Ingredients for the Best Christmas Jam Recipe

This jam comes together with a handful of seasonal ingredients that create a rich, jammy flavor with a festive twist. Here’s what you’ll need:

Strawberries – The base of the jam, strawberries add natural sweetness and a soft, spreadable texture.

Cranberries – Their tartness balances the strawberries and brings that beautiful bright red color.

Orange zest and juice – Adds fresh, citrusy brightness that lifts the overall flavor.

Lemon juice – Essential for acidity and helps the jam set properly.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the mix and preserves the fruit.

Ground cinnamon – A warm spice that enhances the holiday flavor profile.

Ground cloves – Just a pinch adds depth and classic Christmas spice.

Liquid fruit pectin – Helps the jam set with the perfect consistency.

How To Make the Best Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Wash and hull the strawberries if using fresh. Roughly chop them or give them a quick blitz in the food processor. Combine with cranberries and do the same—you want small pieces, not puree.

Step 2: Cook the Fruit Mixture

In a large pot, combine the strawberries, cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, and spices. Stir in the sugar and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Add the Pectin

Once boiling hard, stir in the liquid pectin. Continue boiling for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Skim off any foam that forms on top.

Step 4: Fill the Jars

Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims, seal with lids, and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the fridge or freezer.

Serving and Storing Christmas Jam

This recipe makes enough jam to fill about 5 to 6 half-pint jars, depending on how much you simmer it down. Once cooled, the jam will thicken into a spoonable, spreadable consistency that’s perfect for slathering on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even swirled into yogurt.

You can refrigerate sealed jars for up to 3 weeks, or freeze them for longer storage. If properly canned using a water bath method, they’ll last up to a year in the pantry.

What to Serve With Christmas Jam?

Buttermilk Biscuits

Soft and flaky biscuits are the ultimate canvas for Christmas jam.

Pancakes or Waffles

Add a dollop instead of syrup for a berry-filled holiday breakfast.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layer with creamy yogurt and granola for a festive morning treat.

Cheese Boards

Pair it with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a sweet-savory balance.

Thumbprint Cookies

Spoon a bit of jam into cookie centers before baking for an extra festive bite.

Glazed Meats

Use it as a glaze for holiday ham or roasted turkey.

Ice Cream Topping

Warm it slightly and drizzle over vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.

Want More Jam & Spread Ideas?

If you love this sweet Christmas jam, check out these other popular creations from Mia Plates:

• Homemade Ketchup Recipe for a savory, all-natural pantry staple.
• Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy to keep the holiday spice theme going.
• Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a sweet southern dessert you’ll love.
• Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons that pair wonderfully with fruity jams.
• Ooey Gooey Bars if you’re craving indulgence.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so it’s ready when the season rolls around.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tweak the spices or try a different citrus? Maybe you doubled it to gift to friends?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Drop your tips or questions below!

Explore more wholesome and beautiful ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest.

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