Easy Merry Christmas Jam is my go-to holiday spread when I want my kitchen to smell like pure cheer and my mornings to feel a little more special. Maybe you’ve got a busy schedule, a long gift list, and zero desire to fuss with complicated canning. Same. This jam is bright, spiced, and sweet-tart, and it comes together with pantry staples. I’ve made it for neighbors, teachers, and family brunches, and it never lasts long. If you can stir a pot, you can nail this recipe. Let’s make your December breakfasts and snack boards unforgettable.
Why You Will Love This Christmas Jam
I’m always searching for recipes that look impressive but are secretly simple. This one delivers. The fruit base is classic cranberry and strawberry, with a sunny hit of orange that tastes like winter mornings. Warm spices bring that cozy hug effect. It’s a small-batch recipe, but it’s easy to scale up for gifting, and you do not need any fancy equipment.
The Story Behind This Recipe
From my kitchen to yours—Easy Merry Christmas Jam mixes a little nostalgia with a cozy aroma. Tested, tasted, and ready for your table. Easy Merry Christmas Jam is my go-to holiday spread when I want my kitchen to smell like pure cheer and my mornings to feel a little…
The texture is jammy and spoonable, not stiff. You can spread it on toast without tearing the bread, swirl it into yogurt, or dollop it over cheesecake. The color is a vibrant ruby that just screams holiday. And if you’re curious about pairing it with other treats, I love this jam alongside a simple platter of cookies and brittle for a sweet nibble board. If you need ideas, these buttery Christmas spritz cookies are perfect for sandwich cookies with a dot of jam in the middle, and a crackly bite like this Christmas cornflake brittle balances the fruity sweetness beautifully.
Best of all, Easy Merry Christmas Jam is super forgiving. If you’re new to jam, this is a friendly place to start. You can keep it in the fridge, freeze it, or follow safe canning methods if you’re experienced. Either way, you’ll get a bright, festive spread that tastes like December in a jar. 
What Youll Need
You only need simple ingredients and a regular kitchen pot. Nothing fancy, just straightforward, reliable staples that bring big flavor. Here’s what I use most often and why each thing matters. Feel free to swap berries if that’s what you have.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen. They add tartness and help the jam set naturally.
- Strawberries: Fresh or frozen. They bring sweetness and that familiar jam flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and thickens. Start with less if your berries are very sweet and adjust as you go.
- Orange juice and zest: Adds brightness and a real holiday vibe.
- Lemon juice: A little acidity balances sweetness and helps set.
- Warm spices: Ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and clove. Go light so the fruit still shines.
- Vanilla extract: Optional, but the round finish is lovely.
- Pinch of salt: Makes everything pop.
Tools are simple: a heavy-bottomed pot, a wooden spoon, a potato masher, a clean jar or two, and a ladle. If you’ve got a thermometer, great, but it’s not required. You can keep this jam in the fridge for up to a couple of weeks or freeze it in small jars. For gifting, I like to tie a ribbon and a handwritten label, then pair a jar with a loaf of this cozy festive Christmas bread for a simple breakfast kit.
Side note: If you’re building a themed snack night, a tray with jam, cheese, crackers, and something sippable is such a mood. Try a fizzy drink like this bright and fruity Christmas punch to make it feel extra special. 
How to Make This Easy Christmas Jam Recipe
This is a stir-and-simmer situation. No stress. You’ll prep the fruit, cook it down till glossy and jammy, then jar it. I’ll walk you through the process I use every year, plus a couple of signs to watch for so you know when it’s ready.
Prep the fruit
Rinse cranberries and strawberries. Hull the strawberries and chop them. If using frozen fruit, no need to thaw fully; it’ll melt down as it cooks. Zest your orange first, then juice it. I like about 1 tablespoon of zest and 1/2 cup of juice total. Keep your jars clean and ready on the counter.
Cook the jam
In a heavy pot, combine cranberries, strawberries, sugar, orange juice and zest, lemon juice, spices, and a small pinch of salt. Bring the heat to medium, stirring as the sugar dissolves. The cranberries will pop as they cook. Use a potato masher to break down the fruit to your preferred texture. I like it a little chunky.
Let it simmer gently, stirring often so the bottom does not scorch. The jam thickens as water evaporates and natural pectin works its magic. It usually takes 18 to 25 minutes. If you have a thermometer, aim for around 220 F at sea level, but this is optional. I mostly test by scooping a little on a chilled spoon and nudging it. If it mounds and slowly holds shape, you’re good. Remember that jam thickens more as it cools.
Jar and cool
Take the pot off the heat and stir in vanilla if you’re using it. Ladle the hot jam into clean jars, leaving a little space at the top. Let cool to room temp, then chill. For gifting, use smaller jars so folks can try it right away. If you’re into proper canning, follow tested water-bath canning guidelines and adjust for altitude. Otherwise, fridge or freezer is perfectly fine for this small-batch recipe.
That’s it. A bright, spiced, and cozy spread that feels like Christmas morning. Easy Merry Christmas Jam, every time.
Tips for Success
I’ve made this exact jam more times than I can count, and a few little habits make it even better. First, don’t rush the simmer. Low and steady heat means clean flavor and less chance of scorching. Second, taste as you go. Cranberries vary a lot, so you may want a touch more sugar or a squeeze more lemon at the end. Third, go light on spices. You can always add more, but you can’t take them out.
If you’re using frozen fruit, the jam might take a few extra minutes to thicken, which is totally normal. Keep stirring and stay patient. If you love gifting, make a double batch and scoop the jam into half-pint jars. A little goes a long way. And for fun holiday baking, this jam works like a dream in thumbprints or sandwich cookies. Try it with these soft and buttery spritz cookies. For even more festive ideas, browse all the goodies in our Christmas collection.
“I followed this recipe for a cookie exchange and people kept asking where I bought the jam. The orange zest and cinnamon make it taste special, and it set perfectly without fuss.”
Serving Suggestions
I keep a jar in the fridge all December because it saves breakfasts and makes snack boards feel fancy without any extra work. Here are my favorite ways to use it.
- Spread on buttered toast, English muffins, or warm biscuits.
- Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal with a sprinkle of granola.
- Layer into a simple trifle with whipped cream and pound cake.
- Spoon over baked brie, then serve with crackers and sliced apples.
- Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies or swirl into brownie batter for a festive twist.
- Pair a cheese board with a small bowl of jam alongside sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
- Gift it with a handwritten tag and a fresh loaf of bread for the ultimate breakfast present.
One more idea I love for movie night spreads: a plate of jam-kissed brownies cut into squares next to mugs of cocoa. If you need a simple dessert shortcut, these cute Christmas present brownies are a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Common Questions
Can I use different berries?
Yes. Raspberries or cherries work well with cranberries. Keep the same total fruit weight and adjust sugar to taste.
Do I need pectin?
No. Cranberries are naturally high in pectin. If you prefer a firmer set, you can add a little powdered pectin, but it’s not required.
How long does it keep?
In the fridge, about 2 weeks. In the freezer, up to 3 months. For shelf-stable jars, use safe water-bath canning guidelines from a trusted source.
What if my jam is too runny?
Put it back in the pot and simmer a bit longer. It will thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook. Aim for a gentle mound on a chilled spoon.
Can I make it less sweet?
Definitely. Start with less sugar, then add more at the end if needed. Balance with lemon juice so it doesn’t taste flat.
Let’s Wrap It Up With a Little Holiday Joy
From the color to the cozy spices, Easy Merry Christmas Jam brings that cheery holiday spark to every bite. It’s quick, reliable, and flexible enough for gifting or everyday breakfasts. If you want more techniques and variations, I love the ideas in this helpful guide from Fab Food 4 All on Easy Christmas Jam Recipe – without pectin!, and this cranberry-strawberry twist from The Rustic Elk’s Homemade Christmas Jam Recipe is a great reference too. Grab your pot, turn on a carol or two, and make a batch for someone you love. You’ll be proud to share it and even happier to eat it. 
Easy Merry Christmas Jam
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse cranberries and strawberries. Hull and chop the strawberries.
- Zest the orange and then juice it.
- Keep clean jars ready on the counter.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine cranberries, strawberries, sugar, orange juice and zest, lemon juice, spices, and salt.
- Bring to medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. The cranberries will pop as they cook.
- Use a potato masher to break down the fruit to your preferred texture.
- Let it simmer gently for 18 to 25 minutes, stirring often to avoid scorching.
- Test for doneness by scooping a little on a chilled spoon—if it mounds and holds shape, it’s done.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla if desired.
- Ladle hot jam into clean jars, leaving space at the top.
- Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
