Homemade Christmas Jam

A sweet and tangy holiday jam bursting with strawberries, cranberries, and warm spices—perfect for gifting, spreading, and celebrating the season!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 2–4 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 6 half-pint jars

Introduction

Looking for the perfect homemade gift or a festive touch to your holiday breakfasts? This Homemade Christmas Jam is exactly what your December needs. Made with strawberries, cranberries, citrus, and a hint of warm spices, it’s a spreadable jar of holiday cheer.

Whether you serve it on warm toast, swirl it into yogurt, or include it in your holiday gift baskets, this jam is sure to become a cherished tradition. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and requires no fancy canning equipment (unless you want to go the extra mile).

 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

• 1 medium orange, zested and juiced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional for deeper spice)

• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• 4 cups granulated sugar

Frozen berries work beautifully and make this jam a year-round possibility!

 Equipment You’ll Need

• Large saucepan or jam pot

• Potato masher or immersion blender

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups/spoons

• Clean jars or containers (for canning or freezing)

• Canning funnel (optional, but helpful)

 How to Make Homemade Christmas Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

1. In a large pot, combine:

   • Strawberries

   • Cranberries

   • Orange zest and juice

   • Lemon juice

2. Turn heat to medium, and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until berries start to burst and break down.

3. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash to your desired consistency—some like it smooth, others prefer it slightly chunky.

Step 2: Add Pectin and Spices

1. Stir in the pectin, cinnamon, and optional spices (cloves and nutmeg).

2. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Finish Cooking

1. Add all the sugar at once, stirring until completely dissolved.

2. Return the mixture to a rolling boil and boil hard for 1 minute (set a timer).

3. Remove from heat and skim off any foam that rises to the top.

A hard boil ensures the jam sets properly. Do not skip the timer!

Step 4: Jar and Cool

If Freezing:

• Allow jam to cool for 15 minutes.

• Ladle into clean jars or containers, leaving ½ inch of headspace.

• Let cool completely before sealing and freezing.

If Canning:

• Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water.

• Ladle hot jam into hot jars using a funnel.

• Wipe rims, apply lids and rings.

• Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

• Remove and let cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours.

 Storage

 How to Use Christmas Jam

• Spread on toast, muffins, or scones

• Swirl into Greek yogurt or oatmeal

• Serve with a cheese board (pairs well with brie or goat cheese)

• Spoon over ice cream or cheesecake

• Use as a glaze for ham or turkey

• Gift in decorated jars for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers

 Gifting Ideas

• Add a tag: “Spread a little holiday cheer!”

• Pair with a mini loaf of homemade bread

• Include in a breakfast basket with tea, coffee, and a holiday mug

• Wrap with twine, greenery, and a handwritten label for rustic charm

 Nutrition (Per Tablespoon – Approx.)

• Calories: 45

• Carbs: 11g

• Sugars: 10g

• Fat: 0g

• Protein: 0g

• Fiber: 0.5g

Exact values may vary based on fruit and portion sizes.