🎄 Homemade Christmas Jam: A Festive Recipe Full of Holiday Cheer

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🎄 Homemade Christmas Jam: A Festive Recipe Full of Holiday Cheer








The holiday season is all about cozy flavors, warm kitchens, and thoughtful homemade gifts — and nothing captures that spirit quite like Christmas Jam. Bursting with cranberries, strawberries, and a touch of spice, this ruby-red jam tastes just like the holidays in a jar.

Whether you’re spreading it on toast, spooning it over cheesecake, or gifting it to loved ones, this recipe will fill your home with the sweet aroma of Christmas magic.

🍓 What Is Christmas Jam?

Christmas Jam is a sweet-and-tangy preserve made from seasonal fruits and warm spices. Typically, it combines cranberries and strawberries, balanced with a hint of orange and cinnamon, to create a festive flavor reminiscent of mulled wine and fresh-baked pie.

It’s a beautiful addition to your breakfast table — and a wonderful edible gift that spreads holiday joy.

🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make about 7–8 half-pint jars, gather the following:

  • 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)

  • 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, hulled)

  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

  • 1 (1.75 oz) box fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)

  • 4 cups granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

These simple ingredients come together to create a jam that’s sweet, tart, and beautifully spiced — the essence of Christmas in every bite.

🍯 How to Make Christmas Jam

Step 1: Prepare the fruit
In a large pot, combine the cranberries and strawberries. Lightly crush them with a potato masher or pulse in a blender until chunky — you want texture, not a purée.

Step 2: Add juice and pectin
Stir in the orange juice and pectin. Bring to a full, rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Sweeten and spice it up
Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Stir continuously, bring back to a boil, and cook hard for 1 full minute. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Jar the jam
Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe rims, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and store
Allow jars to cool completely. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy within a few weeks.

🎁 Ways to Enjoy Christmas Jam

  • Spread it on toast, muffins, or scones for a festive breakfast.

  • Serve it with cream cheese and crackers for a sweet-savory appetizer.

  • Warm it slightly and drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or cheesecake.

  • Gift it in decorative jars with a ribbon and handmade tag — perfect for neighbors, teachers, or friends.

🌟 Tips & Variations

  • Add a splash of brandy or Grand Marnier for a grown-up twist.

  • For a deeper flavor, swap strawberries for raspberries or cherries.

  • Prefer a smoother jam? Blend before boiling for a velvety finish.

  • Use low-sugar pectin to reduce sweetness without sacrificing texture.

❤️ The Perfect Homemade Gift

In a world filled with store-bought treats, a jar of homemade Christmas Jam feels personal and heartfelt. It’s a small gesture that says, “I made this for you.” Pair it with a loaf of homemade bread or a batch of scones, and you’ve got a beautiful holiday gift that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.

Wrap-up:
This easy Christmas Jam recipe brings together everything we love about the holidays — bright flavors, cozy spices, and homemade goodness. Make a batch this season, and your kitchen will smell like Christmas morning.



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