Christmas Jam Recipe

There’s something magical about the holiday season, and one of the best ways to embrace that magic is with food that captures the warmth, joy, and sweetness of the holidays. Enter Christmas Jam, the perfect spread to complement your holiday breakfasts, desserts, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. With its vibrant color and mix of fruity flavors, this jam is everything you need to bring a little extra cheer to your season.

Whether you’re enjoying it on toast, swirled into yogurt, or even gifted in jars to friends and family, Christmas Jam is bound to become a beloved tradition in your home. It’s no wonder that you can’t stop making it—and your coworkers can’t stop asking for it!

Why You’ll Love Christmas Jam:

Sweet and Festive Flavor – Christmas Jam combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of strawberries and other fruits. The result is a deliciously balanced flavor that’s both tangy and sweet, making it a perfect addition to holiday meals.

Easy to Make – Despite its rich, complex flavor, Christmas Jam is surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a batch of jam that will impress everyone.

Perfect for Gifting – Christmas Jam makes a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Whether you’re giving it as a holiday treat to coworkers or packaging it for family and friends, it’s a homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.

Versatile Uses – Spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, use it as a topping for cakes or ice cream, or mix it into your holiday cocktails—this jam is as versatile as it is delicious!

🧾 Ingredients for Christmas Jam

To make this jam, you don’t need too many ingredients, but the combination of fruits creates a unique, irresistible flavor:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries – The tartness of the cranberries is key to balancing out the sweetness in the jam.

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed – Sweet strawberries are the base of the jam, giving it a rich, fruity flavor.

1 ½ cups sugar – You need sugar to help the jam set and to balance the tanginess of the cranberries.

1 package (1.75 oz) pectin – This helps the jam set properly and gives it that perfect spreadable consistency.

1 tablespoon lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice brightens up the jam and enhances the flavors.

Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon – For an extra dash of holiday spice, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to give the jam a cozy, festive flavor.

🥣 How to Make Christmas Jam

Making this jam is a relatively simple process. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing and hulling your strawberries, then mash them in a bowl until smooth. If you’re using frozen cranberries, rinse and thaw them. Otherwise, fresh cranberries will need to be lightly chopped or mashed to help them release their juices.

Step 2: Combine the Fruits

In a large pot, combine the mashed strawberries and cranberries. Add the lemon juice and sugar to the mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Boil the Mixture

Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the fruit mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once it’s boiling, add the pectin and continue to stir. You’ll want to let this mixture boil for about 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. If you’re using cinnamon, add it now!

Step 4: Check the Consistency

To test if your jam is ready, drop a spoonful onto a cold plate. Let it sit for a minute, then run your finger through the jam. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s ready. If it’s still too runny, continue boiling and checking every 2 minutes.

Step 5: Jar the Jam

Once the jam has reached the right consistency, carefully ladle it into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, then seal with lids.

Step 6: Process the Jars (Optional)

If you plan to store your jam for an extended period, you can process the jars in a water bath. This involves placing the sealed jars in a large pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes to help them seal properly. This step is optional if you plan to use the jam quickly and refrigerate it.

Step 7: Let the Jam Set

Let the jars cool at room temperature before storing them. The jam will continue to set as it cools, giving it the perfect spreadable consistency.

🍽️ How to Enjoy Your Christmas Jam

Once you’ve made your delicious Christmas Jam, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some fun ways to incorporate it into your holiday meals:

On Toast or Bagels – The classic way to enjoy your Christmas Jam is on a slice of buttered toast or a warm bagel. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack.

Swirled Into Yogurt – Add a spoonful of Christmas Jam to your morning yogurt for a festive touch that’s both sweet and tart.

As a Topping for Desserts – Use the jam as a topping for cheesecake, ice cream, or cakes. It adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color to any dessert.

In Holiday Cocktails – Mix a spoonful of the jam into your holiday cocktails for an extra touch of sweetness and fruitiness. Try it with a champagne cocktail or a whiskey sour for a festive twist.

Gift It! – Christmas Jam is the perfect homemade gift. Package it in cute mason jars with festive labels, and you’ve got an easy, thoughtful gift for family, friends, or coworkers.

🌿 Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Jam

Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients – For the best-tasting jam, use fresh or high-quality frozen fruits. This ensures the jam will have vibrant flavor and color.

Test the Consistency – If you prefer a thicker jam, let it cook longer. If it’s too runny, let it boil for a few more minutes until it thickens to your liking.

Make a Bigger Batch – This recipe is easy to double or triple if you want to make multiple jars. It’s a great way to prepare holiday gifts in advance.

Experiment with Spices – If you want to get creative, you can add other holiday spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Final Thoughts: A Festive Tradition

Christmas Jam is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a way to spread holiday cheer with every jar you make. With its bright red color and sweet-tart flavor, it’s the perfect way to share a little homemade magic with your loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying it yourself or gifting it to others, Christmas Jam is bound to become a favorite tradition in your holiday celebrations.

So, go ahead and make a batch (or two)! Your coworkers and friends will be begging you for more, and you’ll have a sweet reminder of the season all year long. Happy jamming! 🍓🎄

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