Can’t Stop Making Christmas Jam!! 🎄🍓
And honestly… I don’t want to. This festive Christmas Jam has officially taken over my kitchen, my gift list, and my breakfast table. I started with one batch “just to try it,” and next thing I knew, I was sterilizing jars at midnight and planning who gets a jar next. If you love the flavors of the holidays—sweet strawberries, tart cranberries, warm spices, and bright citrus—this recipe is going to steal your heart.
Christmas Jam isn’t just jam. It’s holiday magic in a jar. It tastes like Christmas morning, smells like simmering memories, and looks absolutely beautiful lined up with ribbons and tags. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, spoon it over cheesecake, or gift it to friends and family, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Why Everyone Loves Christmas Jam
Perfect balance of sweet and tart
Bursting with holiday flavors
Beautiful for gifting
Easy to make, even for beginners
Freezes and stores well
This jam has become a tradition in so many homes because it’s simple, reliable, and unforgettable.
Christmas Jam Ingredients
You likely already have most of these on hand, especially during the holidays:
2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and crushed
1½ cups fresh cranberries
1 medium orange, zested and juiced
3 cups granulated sugar
1 box fruit pectin (Sure-Jell or equivalent)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional but very festive)
How to Make Christmas Jam (Step-by-Step)
Prepare the fruit
In a large pot, combine the crushed strawberries, cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir well.
Cook the fruit mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and soften.
Add pectin and spices
Stir in the pectin, cinnamon, and cloves. Return to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
Add sugar
Pour in the sugar all at once, stirring constantly. Bring back to a full rolling boil and boil hard for 1–2 minutes.
Test the set
Spoon a little jam onto a cold plate. If it thickens as it cools, it’s ready.
Jar it up
Remove from heat and carefully ladle into sterilized jars. Seal and process in a water bath if storing long-term, or refrigerate for immediate use.
How to Use Christmas Jam
This jam is incredibly versatile:
Spread on toast, biscuits, or English muffins
Spoon over pancakes or waffles
Use as a cake filling or cupcake center
Serve with brie or cream cheese on crackers
Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt
Glaze ham or pork for a sweet holiday twist
Tips for Perfect Christmas Jam Every Time
Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor
Don’t overcook or the jam may become too thick
Stir often to prevent sticking
Label jars with the date—they won’t last long, but it’s good practice!
Why This Jam Makes the Best Gift
Homemade Christmas Jam is thoughtful, affordable, and personal. Dress it up with:
Fabric jar toppers
Twine or ribbon
Handwritten labels or recipe cards
People genuinely light up when they receive it—and almost always ask for the recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re anything like me, once you make Christmas Jam, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s festive, flavorful, and downright addictive. I keep saying “this is my last batch”… and then I find myself washing more jars.
If you love cozy holiday recipes, don’t lose this one—save it, share it, and make it part of your Christmas tradition.
