The Best Christmas Jam Recipe

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This festive jam is a sparkling jar of holiday cheer, bursting with the vibrant flavors of cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, and just the right touch of citrus and spice. It’s sweet, slightly tart, and carries a warm cinnamon undertone that makes it perfect for slathering on toast, swirling into yogurt, or gifting in a ribbon-tied jar. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for something unique to add to your Christmas gift baskets, this jam brings the taste of the season to life.

Homemade jam always feels like a little luxury, and this Christmas version is no exception. The deep ruby red color alone is enough to stop you in your tracks, but it’s the burst of flavor in every spoonful that really makes this a must-have. It’s simple enough for first-time jam makers yet beautiful and delicious enough to impress any recipient.

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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam Recipe

• It’s bursting with fruity, festive flavors that scream “holiday season.”
• Perfect for gifting — a handmade touch that friends and family will adore.
• Super easy to make and stores well for weeks.
• Versatile enough to be used on everything from toast and scones to roasted meats.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect batch of Christmas jam, you’ll need a few essential tools that make the process both smoother and safer:

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan – Ensures even heating and prevents the sugar from burning.
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula – Helps with constant stirring, which is vital to avoid sticking or scorching.
• Jar funnel – Makes filling the jars easier and cleaner.
• Ladle – Allows for precise and safe transferring of hot jam into jars.
• Sterilized glass jars with lids – Crucial for storage and preserving freshness.
• Zester or microplane – For that lovely touch of citrus zest that lifts the flavor.

Each tool plays a role in ensuring both safety and jam quality, especially when working with high-heat fruit mixtures and sterilization.

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Preparation Tips

Start by sterilizing your jars — this step is critical to avoid contamination and spoilage. Use fresh, high-quality berries, and if you’re using frozen ones, let them thaw completely and drain excess water to avoid thinning out your jam. Don’t skip the lemon juice — it not only adds brightness but also helps the pectin set properly. Stir continuously once the mixture starts boiling, and keep a close eye to prevent burning. For a smooth jam, mash the fruits as they soften; for a chunkier texture, leave some whole. Always test the jam’s set by placing a small spoonful on a cold plate — if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready!

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Ingredients for This Christmas Jam Recipe

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 medium orange, zested and juiced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 (3 oz) pouch of liquid fruit pectin (or 1.75 oz powdered pectin if preferred)

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Step 1: Prepare the Jars and Tools

Before anything else, sterilize your glass jars and lids. Submerge them in boiling water for at least 10 minutes or run them through the dishwasher on a hot setting without soap. Lay them on a clean towel to air dry completely while you prepare the jam. Also, prep your funnel, ladle, and other tools by washing and drying them thoroughly.

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Step 2: Combine the Fruits and Liquid Ingredients

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a medium heat and cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cranberries pop and the mixture begins to break down.

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Step 3: Mash the Fruits to Desired Texture

Once the fruit has softened, use a potato masher to gently break down the fruits to your preferred texture. You can make it smooth or keep it slightly chunky depending on your liking. If you prefer an ultra-smooth jam, you can blend the mixture with an immersion blender at this stage.

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Step 4: Add Sugar and Bring to a Boil

Stir in the sugar gradually, ensuring it fully dissolves before moving on. Once incorporated, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil — one that cannot be stirred down. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning.

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Step 5: Add the Pectin

Once your fruit mixture is boiling vigorously, stir in the liquid pectin (or powdered pectin if using) and boil hard for 1–2 more minutes. Continue stirring. This is when the mixture starts to thicken. You can do a quick test by dropping a small amount on a cold plate — if it sets and wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.

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Step 6: Skim Foam and Fill the Jars

Remove the pan from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the top using a spoon. Then, using a funnel and ladle, carefully fill the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp paper towel and screw the lids on until just fingertip tight.

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Step 7: Process the Jars (Optional for Longer Storage)

To preserve the jam for long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch. Remove the jars and let them cool completely. You should hear the satisfying pop of a successful seal. If any jar doesn’t seal, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.

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Step 8: Cool, Label, and Store

Let the jars sit undisturbed for 12–24 hours to fully set. Once cooled, label them with the name and date. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3–4 weeks.

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Notes

This Christmas Jam is incredibly forgiving and customizable. You can swap raspberries or strawberries for blackberries or blueberries, depending on what’s available. If you’re gifting the jam, decorate the jars with twine, a festive label, and perhaps a small pine twig for that perfect rustic holiday charm. While sugar is essential for preservation and setting, you can reduce it slightly, but be cautious — altering the sugar can affect the texture and shelf life.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the sterilization step: This can lead to spoilage and bacteria growth.
• Not measuring sugar and fruit precisely: Jam relies on the right sugar-to-fruit ratio to set correctly.
• Overcooking the fruit mixture: Can cause a thick, overly stiff jam.
• Under-boiling after adding pectin: This can result in a runny consistency.
• Not sealing the jars properly: Improperly sealed jars won’t store well and can become unsafe to eat.

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Storage Instructions

Store sealed jars of jam in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months. Once a jar is opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within 3 to 4 weeks. Always use a clean spoon to prevent introducing bacteria into the jar. If not using a water bath canning method, the jam must be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 45 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Sugar: 11 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade Christmas Jam last?

Sealed jars last up to 12 months in a cool pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 3–4 weeks.

Can I make this jam without pectin?

Yes, but it will need to cook longer to thicken naturally, and the texture may be looser.

Can I use frozen berries?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them first to prevent excess water from affecting the consistency.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce it slightly, but keep in mind it may not set properly and the shelf life will decrease.

Is this jam safe for canning?

Yes, as long as you properly sterilize the jars and follow the water bath canning method.

Can I double the recipe?

It’s best to make jam in smaller batches to ensure proper thickening and consistency. Doubling may affect cooking times.

What can I serve this jam with?

It’s fantastic on toast, biscuits, scones, pancakes, or even as a glaze for meats like pork or turkey.

Can I gift this jam?

Definitely! Just ensure it’s properly sealed and label it with the contents and date. It makes a perfect homemade holiday gift.

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Conclusion

The Best Christmas Jam Recipe is more than just a seasonal spread — it’s a jar of joy that captures the spirit of the holidays. Rich in color, bold in flavor, and easy to make, this jam turns everyday breakfasts or gift baskets into festive delights. Whether you’re spreading it on warm toast or tying it up with a bow for someone special, it’s a little spoonful of Christmas magic everyone will love.

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