Name: Simple Spiced Christmas Jam
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cranberries; 2 cups strawberries hulled and chopped; 3 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1 pouch liquid pectin (3 ounces)

What if you could capture the warmth and joy of the holidays in a jar? Simple Spiced Christmas Jam does exactly that. With its vibrant ruby color, bright berry notes, and gentle hints of cinnamon and clove, this jam makes mornings cozier and gifts more heartfelt. Whether you’re spreading it on fresh biscuits or swirling it into yogurt, this jam brings a festive flair to every bite.

Made with everyday ingredients and just a few seasonal spices, it’s surprisingly simple to make. The best part? It fills your kitchen with the scent of Christmas. Ideal for gifting or savoring slowly all season long.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect batch of Simple Spiced Christmas Jam, preparation is everything. Start with clean, sterilized jars—these not only preserve your jam safely but also give it that polished, homemade touch. A canning funnel makes transferring the hot jam into jars tidy and spill-free.

A heavy-bottomed saucepan is essential for even cooking and preventing scorching. A potato masher or fork helps break down the berries without over-pureeing, while a candy thermometer ensures the jam reaches the right gel point for setting. Lastly, a ladle and jar lifter make safe handling a breeze, especially when working with hot mixtures.

Ingredients for the Simple Spiced Christmas Jam

Cranberries – These add vibrant color and a tart punch that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Strawberries – For sweetness and body. They give the jam a lush, spreadable texture.
Granulated Sugar – Essential not just for sweetness, but for helping the jam set properly.
Cinnamon – Adds that unmistakable warmth and holiday spice.
Cloves – A little goes a long way to infuse the jam with festive depth.
Orange Zest & Juice – Brightens up the mix with citrusy freshness and balances the richness.
Liquid Pectin – Helps the jam set to that perfect, spoonable consistency.

How To Make the Simple Spiced Christmas Jam

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Rinse your cranberries and hull the strawberries. Coarsely chop or mash the strawberries, leaving some small chunks for texture.

Step 2: Combine and Cook

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the cranberries, mashed strawberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Add the cinnamon and cloves once the mixture begins to break down. Continue simmering, allowing the flavors to blend for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Pectin and Boil

Stir in the liquid pectin. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil for one minute, then remove from heat. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

Step 5: Jar and Seal

Using a canning funnel and ladle, pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids, and process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to ensure shelf stability.

How to Serve and Store This Festive Jam

Simple Spiced Christmas Jam is a holiday multitasker. Spread it over warm toast, dollop it on pancakes, or pair it with a soft cheese board for a seasonal twist. It also makes a flavorful glaze for roasted meats or a festive filling for thumbprint cookies.

For storage, once opened, the jam keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Unopened jars that are properly processed in a water bath can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to a year. Label your jars with the date for easy tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have pectin?

You can cook the jam longer to naturally thicken it, but the texture might be looser and less jelly-like.

Can I use frozen berries?

Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain excess liquid before using. The flavor will still shine through.

How spicy is the jam?

It’s warmly spiced, not hot. The cinnamon and clove bring festive depth, not heat.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Lowering sugar may prevent the jam from setting properly. Use a low-sugar pectin if you want to adjust sweetness.

Do I need to water bath the jars?

Yes, if you plan to store the jam at room temperature. Otherwise, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.

What size jars are best?

4-ounce or 8-ounce jars are ideal for gifting. They also help the jam cool and set quickly.

Want More Jam and Preserve Ideas?

If you love the art of homemade spreads, here are a few more recipes that bring sweet and savory joy to your kitchen:

You might enjoy the Indulgent 6-Minute Caramel Recipe for a rich, golden treat perfect on toast or ice cream. For a fruity twist, try the Raspberry Crescent Rolls—a cozy bake with similar berry charm.

Craving something festive yet unexpected? The Apple Enchiladas bring a warm spice profile you’ll adore if you’re a fan of this jam. And for a lighter option, the Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries offer a tangy-sweet bite in a fresh format.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your holiday boards for later—just hit the Pin button.

If you try it, let me know! Did you gift a jar or keep it for your own breakfast table? Leave a comment below. I love hearing how your holiday jars turn out.

For more daily recipes and inspiration, visit my Pinterest page: LadyPlate on Pinterest

Simple Spiced Christmas Jam

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Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 half-pint jars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Simple Spiced Christmas Jam captures the essence of the holidays in a jar. Bursting with cranberries, strawberries, orange zest, and festive spices, this vibrant jam is perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheeses, or gifting to loved ones. With a deep red hue and cozy aroma, it’s a seasonal favorite that’s simple to make and even easier to love.

Ingredients

2 cups cranberries

2 cups strawberries hulled and chopped

3 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon orange zest

1/4 cup orange juice

1 pouch liquid pectin (3 ounces)

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Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries and hull the strawberries. Chop or mash the strawberries, keeping some small chunks for texture.

2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine cranberries, strawberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often.

3. Once the mixture softens, add cinnamon and cloves. Continue simmering for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors blend.

4. Stir in liquid pectin. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and skim any foam.

5. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars using a canning funnel, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims, seal jars, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

6. Cool the jars on a towel-lined surface until lids pop. Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate after opening.