The first winter I decided to make homemade jam, I had a kitchen full of festive chaos: twinkling lights reflecting off glass jars, a playlist of holiday classics softly playing, and a basket of fresh cranberries that looked like tiny rubies. I wanted something that captured the warmth of the season, something that could be gifted, shared, or tucked onto my breakfast table for a cozy start to the day. I pulled out my old saucepan, measuring spoons, and a food processor, ready to experiment.

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As I pureed the strawberries and cranberries, the air filled with a tangy, sweet aroma that instantly made the kitchen feel like holiday magic. Adding the spices—cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and a hint of allspice—created an aroma that reminded me of Christmas markets and mulled cider. Each bubble in the pot seemed to whisper that this jam was going to be special.

By the time the jam reached its rolling boil and I added the liquid pectin, I felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. Watching it thicken into a glossy, vibrant red, I imagined spreading it over morning toast, dolloping it onto yogurt, or gifting it to friends in charming jars tied with ribbons. Making this jam felt like creating a little jar of joy, one spoonful at a time.

Short Description

Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is a festive blend of fresh cranberries and strawberries, spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, gifts, or festive desserts, this jam is both tangy and sweet with a beautiful seasonal aroma.

Key Ingredients

Fruits & Base

6 cups strawberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
2 cups cranberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)

Sweetener & Pectin

5 cups granulated sugar
2 sachets liquid pectin

Spices

1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp allspice
¼ tsp ground cloves

Tools Needed

Food processor or blender
Large saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
Ladle
Sterilized jars with lids
Canning pot or large stockpot

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Puree the Berries
Place the strawberries and cranberries in a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth. If needed, process in batches for even consistency. Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Spices
Add 5 cups sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice to the berry mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure even blending. The sugar helps release the juices from the berries, creating the perfect base for your jam.

Step 3: Boil the Jam
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil—bubbles should rise continuously even while stirring. Boil for 1 full minute to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 4: Add Pectin and Boil Again
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the liquid pectin. Return the pan to the stove and bring to a full rolling boil again. Continue boiling for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step ensures the jam sets properly.

Step 5: Skim Foam and Fill Jars
After boiling, allow the bubbles to settle. Skim off any foam with a spoon and discard. Ladle the hot jam into prepared sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe jar rims clean and seal with lids, tightening only until finger-snug.

Step 6: Process and Store the Jam
Place jars into a canning pot with water covering jars by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, cover, and boil for 10 minutes. Carefully remove jars and place on a heatproof surface to cool for 12 hours. Label and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Refrigerate after opening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with fresh, tangy, and sweet flavors

Spiced perfectly for the holiday season

Versatile for toast, desserts, or gifts

Easy to make in batches and store

Can be customized with other berries or spice levels

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Too Thin Jam
If your jam does not set, it may be undercooked or lacking pectin.
Solution: Ensure you use the full rolling boil steps and add the recommended pectin. Double-check pectin expiration dates.

Overcooked Jam
Boiling too long can make jam too thick or dark.
Solution: Follow the boiling time exactly. Remove from heat promptly after the final boil.

Crusty Sugar on Jar Rims
Sugar or jam residue prevents proper sealing.
Solution: Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth before sealing lids.

Foam in the Jam
Foam can affect appearance and texture.
Solution: Skim off all foam before filling jars.

Bubbles in Jam After Cooling
Trapped air can cause bubbling.
Solution: Stir gently and remove bubbles before ladling into jars.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Spread on toast, bagels, or muffins

Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal bowls

Use as a topping for cheesecake, ice cream, or pavlova

Gift in festive jars for friends and neighbors

Serve at brunch buffets or holiday breakfast tables

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year

Refrigerate after opening, use within 3–4 weeks

Freeze jam for long-term storage up to 6 months

Allow frozen jam to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, thaw them completely before pureeing for best consistency.

2. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but it may affect the jam’s texture and shelf life.

3. Can I make this jam without pectin?
Yes, but the setting time will be longer and the jam may be softer.

4. How long does the jam last once opened?
Store in the fridge and use within 3–4 weeks.

5. Can I add other spices or citrus?
Yes, orange zest, nutmeg, or cardamom can enhance flavor beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

Stir frequently to prevent sticking during boiling

Use a thermometer for precision—jam should reach 220°F for proper setting

Always sterilize jars to prevent contamination

For smoother jam, strain after pureeing

Recipe Variations

Orange Cranberry Jam: Add 1 tsp orange zest during Step 2

Berry Mix Jam: Substitute 1 cup of cranberries with raspberries or blueberries

Spiced Holiday Jam: Add ¼ tsp nutmeg and ½ tsp cardamom for a warming twist

Low-Sugar Jam: Use 3 cups sugar and add an extra 1 sachet of pectin

Final Thoughts

Making this Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam brings the holiday spirit straight into the kitchen. The tangy cranberries blend with sweet strawberries and warming spices, creating a vibrant red jam that adds a festive touch to mornings, desserts, and gatherings. Each batch can be customized with extra spices or different berries, giving it a unique character every time.

Watching the jam set in jars and imagining it shared on breakfast tables or gifted to friends fills the heart with a quiet joy. Every spoonful carries a burst of flavor and a fragrant aroma, proving that simple, wholesome ingredients can create memorable and meaningful moments.

Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam a tangy-sweet mix of cranberries and strawberries with warm holiday spices, perfect for breakfasts, gifts, or festive treats.

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Ingredients

Fruits & Base

6 cups strawberries fresh or thawed from frozen
2 cups cranberries fresh or thawed from frozen

Sweetener & Pectin

5 cups granulated sugar
2 sachets liquid pectin

Spices

1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp allspice
¼ tsp ground cloves

Instructions

Puree strawberries and cranberries until smooth and transfer to a saucepan.
Stir in sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
Bring to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
Remove from heat, add liquid pectin, return to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
Skim foam and ladle into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace; seal.
Process jars in boiling water for 10 minutes, then cool 12 hours. Store in a cool, dark place; refrigerate after opening.