Christmas Jam

When I was little, the scent of cinnamon and orange wafting from the kitchen meant one thing: Grandma’s Christmas jam was on the stove. She’d hum carols while the cranberries popped and simmered in their spiced bath, and every jar she filled felt like bottling up the spirit of December. I remember sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar, unable to resist that perfect balance of tart cranberry, bright orange zest, and deep Christmas spices.

this Recipe

This Christmas jam recipe brings all that magic into one simple pot. It’s quick to make, beautiful to gift, and even more delightful to spoon onto toast, swirl into yogurt, or serve alongside holiday ham. Whether you’re making it for your own table or for sweet little jars to share with neighbors, this festive jam is sure to spark joy and stories.

From my kitchen to yours, let’s bring this dish to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas jam captures the season in every bite — tart, sweet, and warmly spiced. The cranberries bring natural brightness, while orange and holiday spices round it out with nostalgic depth.

You’ll love how quick and easy it is — just under an hour start to finish. With only a handful of pantry staples, it’s ideal for last-minute gifts or adding a homemade touch to your brunch table.

It’s a beginner-friendly recipe. You don’t need to master traditional canning techniques unless you want to extend shelf life. Otherwise, this Christmas jam stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer.

Versatile, too! Spread it on warm biscuits, stir into oatmeal, glaze pork tenderloin, or pair with cheese boards. It’s a kitchen workhorse with holiday flair.

Plus, it makes your home smell like a cozy Christmas market while it simmers. And that, my friend, is a win all on its own.

Print

Ingredient Overview

This Christmas jam tastes just like the season—comforting, cheerful, and bursting with holiday character. Here’s what brings it all together in one pot of magic:

• Cranberries: The base of our jam. They offer tartness and that gorgeous ruby-red color.

• Orange zest and juice: Adds citrus brightness that lifts and balances the cranberries.

• Sweetener of choice: Whether you use honey, sugar, or stevia, each version brings its own nuance to the jam’s sweetness.

• Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon: For that classic, warming spice note we all crave during the holidays.

• Nutmeg: Adds a gentle nuttiness and depth that makes this more than just a berry jam.

• Cloves (whole or ground): Sharp and floral, cloves create the unmistakable scent of Christmas jam.

• Star anise: A gentle whisper of licorice that gives this jam its signature spiced profile.

Tip for gifting: Pour your Christmas jam into mini glass jars, tie with red ribbon and a cinnamon stick, and tuck into a holiday gift basket. It’s homemade charm at its finest.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Sterilize Your Jars

Before diving into the recipe, get your jars ready. Wash them with hot soapy water, rinse well, and place in a 225°F (110°C) oven for 15 minutes—or boil for 10 minutes. This ensures your christmas jam stays fresh and safe for weeks to come.

Step 2: Prep the Cranberries

If you’re using fresh cranberries, rinse and pick out any bruised ones. Frozen cranberries work great too—no need to thaw. For a smoother christmas jam, pulse them briefly in a food processor, but leaving them whole adds a lovely texture.

Step 3: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise. Stir gently over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble and the cranberries start to burst—about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the christmas jam thicken naturally as the fruit breaks down and the spices infuse the mix. Tip: Don’t leave the pot unattended—it can stick fast.

Step 5: Remove Whole Spices

If you used whole spices, fish them out carefully now. Then check the consistency: place a small spoonful of christmas jam on a cold plate. If it holds shape after a minute, it’s perfect. If not, simmer 3–5 minutes longer.

Step 6: Add Sweetener and Skim Foam

Now stir in your sweetener of choice. Use honey for a rich, floral note, sugar for classic jam sweetness, or stevia for a no-sugar option. If using sugar, boil for 1 more minute. Let the jam cool for 5 minutes, then skim off any foam on top.

Step 7: Fill and Seal Your Jars

Carefully ladle the hot christmas jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims, seal with lids, and let cool at room temperature. You’ll hear those sweet little “pops” as they seal!

Step 8: Store or Water Bath (Optional)

Store jars in the fridge or a cool pantry. For longer storage, use the water bath canning method: process the jars in boiling water for 5 minutes. Let them cool fully before labeling.

Pro Tips

To get the best results from your christmas jam, always use high-quality whole spices. Whole star anise and cinnamon sticks lend a richer flavor than ground versions—and your house will smell like the holidays while it simmers!

If you’re using honey instead of sugar, wait to stir it in after the jam has thickened. Heating honey too much dulls its floral notes and nutrients, and we want every spoonful of your christmas jam to be luscious and layered.

For easier cleanup and less bubbling over, use a deep pot with tall sides. Christmas jam can foam up during boiling, so giving it space keeps things tidy.

Make a small batch first to test your preferred sweetness level. Cranberries can vary in tartness, and this will help fine-tune your christmas jam to perfection.

Want to make it extra gift-worthy? Pair it with a small loaf from our Mini Loaf Pan Recipes for Christmas for a homemade gift that feels like a hug in a basket.

Variations

You can easily personalize your christmas jam based on what you love or have on hand. Swap orange for tangerine juice for a slightly sweeter citrus twist. It brightens the flavor while keeping it festive.

Add a splash of vanilla extract after cooking to create a warm, almost cookie-like undertone in your christmas jam. It’s subtle but makes a beautiful difference.

For extra fruitiness, toss in a handful of raspberries or chopped apples during the simmer. Just adjust cooking time slightly if you add apples so they soften.

Want a cozy twist? Stir in a pinch of ground ginger with the cinnamon and nutmeg. It adds warmth and complexity without overpowering your christmas jam.

Looking for more holiday bakes to pair with this? You’ll love our Fall Baking Recipes for sweet treats that complement every jar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This christmas jam is the kind of treat that lights up your whole holiday table. Spread it generously over warm buttered biscuits, swirl it into oatmeal, or spoon it atop creamy Brie on a charcuterie board. I love pairing it with toasted sourdough for a cozy December brunch or even as a glaze for roast turkey or ham. Hosting friends for a cookie exchange? Set out a jar of christmas jam with crackers and cheese — it adds a festive sparkle to any nibble board. And if you’re prepping ahead, tuck it into goodie bags alongside mini loaves from our Fall Dessert Recipes for gifts everyone will love.

Conclusion

There’s something so joyful about making a batch of christmas jam—watching those cranberries pop, smelling the warm spices rise up, knowing you’re creating something from the heart. Whether you’re gifting it to neighbors, sharing it on Christmas morning, or sneaking spoonfuls from the fridge, this little jar brings big feelings. It’s more than just a spread—it’s a memory in the making.
I’d be over the moon if you gave this christmas jam recipe a try! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below—and if you add your own twist, I’d love to hear that too. Share your creations with us on Instagram or Pinterest and tag us so we can celebrate with you!

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.