This festive Christmas Jam is everything you want in a holiday spread: sweet, tart, warmly spiced, and gorgeously red. Packed with strawberries, cranberries, and a hint of citrus, it brings cozy cheer to breakfast toast, dessert toppings, and even as a gift in a ribbon-wrapped jar. Homemade jam never looked or tasted so magical.

If you’re dreaming of something thoughtful yet simple to make for friends, family, or holiday brunch tables, this jam is your answer. It’s easy to prepare, makes your kitchen smell like Christmas morning, and lasts beautifully in the fridge or freezer. The jewel-toned color and the balance of fruit with spice make it an instant classic.

Can I Use Frozen Fruit for Christmas Jam?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries and cranberries work just as well as fresh. In fact, frozen fruit can be a convenient way to make this jam any time of year. Just make sure there’s no added sugar in your frozen fruit, and allow it to thaw slightly or adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.

Ingredients for the Best Christmas Jam

Strawberries
They add the sweet base to the jam and balance the tartness of the cranberries. Fresh or frozen both work great.

Cranberries
These bring the essential tart punch that makes Christmas jam so vibrant and flavorful. They also help the jam set thanks to their natural pectin.

Orange Zest & Juice
Bright citrus notes lift the overall flavor and complement the berries perfectly. The zest adds fragrance, while the juice balances the sweetness.

Granulated Sugar
It sweetens the jam and helps with thickening. Adjust to taste, but don’t reduce too much or it won’t preserve properly.

Cinnamon & Clove
These warm spices add the Christmas magic. A pinch goes a long way, giving depth and aroma.

Liquid Pectin
To ensure the jam sets to a spoonable consistency. If you prefer a looser texture, you can skip this, but the jam won’t be as firm.

How To Make the Best Christmas Jam

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

If you’re using fresh strawberries and cranberries, rinse them well. Hull and chop the strawberries. If using frozen, measure them out and allow to thaw slightly. Zest your orange and juice it to have both ready.

Step 2: Combine in a Pot

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add the strawberries, cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and clove. Stir everything together and let it sit for about 10 minutes to macerate. This allows the sugar to start drawing out the juices.

Step 3: Cook the Jam

Place the pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the fruit softens and begins to break down. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently and lightly mashing some of the cranberries with the back of your spoon.

Step 4: Add the Pectin

Once the mixture has thickened and most of the cranberries have burst, stir in the liquid pectin. Boil for an additional 1-2 minutes to activate the pectin fully. Then remove from heat.

Step 5: Jar It Up

Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars. Wipe the rims, seal with lids, and let them cool at room temperature. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.

How to Serve and Store This Christmas Jam

Serve this jam in all the cozy ways: slathered over warm biscuits, layered in yogurt parfaits, swirled into oatmeal, or spooned on top of cheesecake. It also makes a standout addition to a cheese board, especially with brie or sharp cheddar.

As for storing, keep the jars in the refrigerator if you plan to use them within 2 to 3 weeks. For longer-term storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe jars or containers for up to 6 months. Make sure the jars are cooled completely before freezing to prevent cracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Christmas Jam last?

In the refrigerator, it lasts up to 3 weeks. In the freezer, properly sealed jars can last up to 6 months.

Can I water-bath can this jam for shelf storage?

Yes, absolutely. If you follow proper canning procedures and use pectin, this jam is safe to water-bath can and store on shelves for up to a year.

What if I don’t have pectin?

You can simmer the jam longer to thicken it naturally. Cranberries have natural pectin, so it will still set, but may be a bit looser.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Reducing sugar can affect the set and shelf life, but you can reduce slightly if you prefer a tarter jam. Don’t reduce more than 25% unless using a low-sugar pectin.

What size jars should I use?

Half-pint (8 oz) jars work best for this recipe. They’re ideal for gifting and storing in the fridge.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but be cautious—larger batches take longer to reach the correct temperature and may not set evenly. It’s better to make two separate batches.

Want More Jam & Spread Ideas?

If you love the festive flavor of this Christmas jam, you might also enjoy these creative and crowd-pleasing ideas from the blog:

Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding — a creamy dessert twist with berry bliss.
Cheesecake-Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies — like a jam-filled fall dessert wrapped in cookie form.
Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars for a nutty, sweet contrast.
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes — imagine dipping these into your jam.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies — perfect buttery pairing for a spoonful of jam.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you always have a festive jam idea ready to go.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra spice? Try a different citrus? Maybe even give it as a gift?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. And if you want more sweet inspiration, visit my Pinterest where I share daily dessert and holiday ideas: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

The Best Christmas Jam Recipe

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 3 to 4 half-pint jars 1x
Category: Jam / Preserves
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This homemade Christmas Jam is bursting with festive flavor, made from sweet strawberries, tart cranberries, and cozy hints of cinnamon, clove, and citrus. It’s easy to make, perfect for gifting, and delicious on everything from toast to cheesecake. Whether you’re prepping for the holidays or just want a jar of joy, this jam is a must-try winter classic.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups strawberries, chopped

2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen

1 tablespoon orange zest

1⁄4 cup orange juice

3 cups granulated sugar

1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon

1⁄8 teaspoon ground clove

1 pouch liquid pectin

Instructions

1. Rinse fresh strawberries and cranberries if using fresh. Hull and chop strawberries. If using frozen fruit, thaw slightly. Zest and juice the orange.

2. In a large pot, combine strawberries, cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and clove. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.

3. Set the pot over medium heat. Stir as fruit softens and begins to release juices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently. Lightly mash the cranberries.

4. Stir in the liquid pectin. Boil for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

5. Carefully ladle hot jam into sterilized jars. Wipe rims, seal with lids, and let cool. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.