Name: The Best Christmas Jam Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cranberries; 2 cups strawberries (hulled and chopped); 4 cups granulated sugar; ½ cup orange juice; 1 tablespoon orange zest; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 pouch liquid pectin (3 oz)

If you love cozy holiday flavors and homemade gifts from the heart, this Christmas Jam recipe is pure festive joy in a jar. With its rich color, sweet-tart flavor, and just the right hint of holiday spice, this jam captures everything we love about the season. Whether you’re spreading it on a warm biscuit, swirling it into yogurt, or wrapping it up for loved ones, it’s a cheerful staple for December mornings.

This jam is a beautiful blend of cranberries, strawberries, citrus, and spice that come together into a glossy, ruby-red spread that smells like Christmas. Best part? It’s easy enough for beginners but special enough to impress even the most seasoned holiday bakers. Let’s dive into the merry magic of making it!

What Kind of Fruit Should I Use for Christmas Jam?

The stars of this jam are fresh cranberries and sweet strawberries. Cranberries offer that signature tartness and vibrant color, while strawberries bring natural sweetness and body. You can use fresh or frozen berries, making it a recipe that works whether you’re planning ahead or pulling from the freezer stash. A splash of orange juice and zest boosts the brightness, while a pinch of cinnamon adds that signature holiday warmth.

Ingredients for the Best Christmas Jam Recipe

Cranberries – These tart ruby gems are the soul of this jam, giving it that deep holiday color and tangy zing.

Strawberries – They balance the cranberries perfectly with sweetness and make the jam spoonably smooth.

Sugar – You need a good amount to preserve the jam and enhance the fruit’s flavor. Don’t reduce it too much, or the texture will suffer.

Orange Juice + Zest – Bright, citrusy notes lift the jam and make it feel extra festive.

Cinnamon – Just a pinch brings warm, cozy undertones to the fruit.

Liquid Pectin – Essential for getting the right jammy consistency without overcooking the fruit.

How To Make the Best Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Rinse your cranberries and hull your strawberries. If you’re using frozen berries, let them thaw first. Chop the strawberries if they’re large.

Step 2: Simmer the Base

In a large pot, combine cranberries, strawberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let the mixture bubble gently until the cranberries start to pop and the strawberries break down.

Step 3: Blend Smooth (Optional)

If you like a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to break up the fruit. Leave it chunky for a rustic look.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon and Pectin

Stir in the cinnamon and add the liquid pectin. Boil hard for one minute while stirring constantly, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Jar and Seal

Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, add the lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let them cool completely before storing.

How to Serve and Store Your Christmas Jam

This jam keeps up to a year when sealed properly and stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy within 3 weeks. It’s a breakfast favorite on toast, but don’t stop there—try it on a cheese board or even swirled into thumbprint cookies for an instant holiday upgrade.

What to Serve With Christmas Jam?

Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits

Nothing beats a buttery biscuit slathered with homemade jam on Christmas morning.

Creamy Brie or Camembert

Serve it alongside soft cheeses for an elegant appetizer or festive charcuterie board.

Thumbprint Cookies

Use this jam as the filling for holiday cookies—it’s sweet, tart, and beautifully red.

Yogurt or Oatmeal Bowls

Add a spoonful to your morning oats or yogurt for a fruity, seasonal lift.

Roasted Turkey Sandwiches

Smear a bit onto a turkey sandwich for a tangy twist on cranberry sauce.

Want More Holiday Gift Ideas?

If you love this Christmas Jam, you’ll probably adore these cozy, shareable favorites too:

Easy Homemade Divinity Candy for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Classic Vanilla Fudge that everyone looks forward to during the holidays.
Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for the perfect wintry bite.
Apple Fritter Bread that’s just the right mix of cozy and sweet.
Cranberry Orange Bread to match the flavor profile of this jam.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this sweet and festive spread to your favorite Pinterest board so you can make it again next Christmas—or whenever you want a taste of the season.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe you added clove or a splash of bourbon? I’d love to hear how you made it your own—drop your ideas in the comments!

Want more homemade magic? Explore my kitchen adventures and festive recipes on Savor Queen on Pinterest.

The Best Christmas Jam Recipe

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 half-pint jars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Brighten your holiday mornings with this vibrant, ruby-red Christmas Jam! This festive spread combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of strawberries, balanced by orange zest and a hint of cinnamon. Whether you’re spreading it on warm biscuits or gifting jars to loved ones, this easy recipe is a flavorful way to celebrate the season. It’s perfect for breakfast ideas, healthy snack spreads, or even as a twist in dinner ideas like glazed meats. If you’re looking for an easy recipe to add to your collection of food ideas, this one’s a must-try.