Fresh cranberries
2 cups
Or frozen — no need to thaw
Strawberries, hulled and chopped
2 cups
Fresh or frozen
Granulated sugar
4 cups
For sweetness and preservation
Orange juice (fresh)
½ cup
Brightens flavor, aids pectin activation
Lemon juice
1 tbsp
Adds tang and helps set
Ground cinnamon
1 tsp
Warm, nostalgic spice
Ground cloves
¼ tsp
Use sparingly — potent!
Ground nutmeg
¼ tsp
Freshly grated if possible
Fruit pectin (liquid or powder)
1 packet (1.75 oz)
Ball or Sure-Jell recommended
No pectin? Simmer longer — but results may be softer.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Christmas Jam
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
Rinse cranberries and drain
Hull and roughly chop strawberries
Pulse both in a food processor until finely chopped but not pureed
You want texture, not baby food
Pro tip: Leave some berry chunks for visual appeal.
Step 2: Cook the Base
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine:
Chopped fruit
Orange juice
Lemon juice
Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often
Simmer 5 minutes until cranberries begin to pop
Use a big pot — jam bubbles up fast!
Step 3: Add Pectin & Sugar
Stir in pectin — mix well
Bring back to a full rolling boil (one that doesn’t stop when stirred)
Add sugar all at once
Stir constantly until sugar dissolves
Boil hard for exactly 1 minute — set a timer!
This is the gel point — don’t undercook or overcook.
Step 4: Jar & Seal (For Shelf-Stable Storage)
Ladle hot jam into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace
Wipe rims with a clean, damp cloth
Place lids and bands on tightly
Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes
Remove, cool, and check seals (lids should not flex when pressed)
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Option: Skip Canning → Freezer Jam!
Want easier cleanup and fresher flavor?
Pour jam into clean airtight containers
Cool completely
Label with date
Freeze for up to 6 months
Thaw in fridge overnight before using
Great for small batches or gifts you’ll give soon.
How to Gift Your Christmas Jam
Make your jars unforgettable:
Tie with ribbon or jute twine
Classic holiday charm
Add a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon stick
Festive scent & style
Attach a custom tag
Write: “Shake Before Spreading” or “Made with Love”
Bundle with biscuits, crackers, or tea
Create a mini gift set
Perfect for teachers, neighbors, host gifts, or care packages.
5 Delicious Ways to Use Christmas Jam
On Toast or Scones
With butter or cream cheese — morning bliss
With Cheese Boards
Pairs perfectly with brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar
As a Glaze
Brush over ham, pork tenderloin, or roasted carrots
In Desserts
Fill thumbprint cookies, swirl into cheesecake, top ice cream
In Drinks
Stir into sparkling water or cocktails (try with prosecco!)
Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Gifts Aren’t Bought — They’re Made With Love
We chase perfect presents.
We wrap expensive things.
We search for what money can buy.
But the truth is:
The most cherished gifts are often the ones made by hand.
This Homemade Christmas Jam proves that great love doesn’t need to be costly.
So next time you’re looking for a gift that says “I care”…
Don’t shop.
Make this.
Because sometimes, the difference between “just a jar” and “I’ll never forget this”…
Isn’t in the sugar.
It’s in the cinnamon.
And once you make this?
You might just find that the best way to spread holiday joy…
Isn’t with cards.
It’s with a spoon, a little fruit, and a whole lot of heart.
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