The holiday season calls for something special, and what could be better than a jar of Easy Merry Christmas Jam to add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations? This easy-to-make, vibrant jam combines the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of strawberries, and the warmth of holiday spices. Perfect as a gift or a treat for yourself, this jam is the essence of Christmas in a jar.

The first time I made this jam, it filled the house with the most heavenly aroma—think spiced berries and cinnamon wafting through the air. My family couldn’t wait for it to cool before spreading it over warm toast! Since then, it has become a holiday tradition, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you.

Whether you’re a jam-making pro or a beginner, this recipe is as simple as it is delightful. Ready to spread some holiday magic? Let’s make some jam!

This Easy Merry Christmas Jam is a quick, easy, and festive recipe that’s sure to bring holiday cheer to your breakfast table. It combines fresh cranberries and strawberries with sugar, orange zest, and a hint of holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a bright, flavorful jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or gifting to loved ones.

With minimal ingredients and no canning required, this small-batch recipe is beginner-friendly and ready in under an hour. The vibrant red color and festive flavors make it a holiday favorite.

The Story Behind This Recipe

One Christmas morning, I realized I wanted something extra special to complement our holiday breakfast. With cranberries and strawberries on hand, I decided to whip up a quick jam. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg gave it that unmistakable holiday vibe, and my family couldn’t get enough.

Now, making Easy Merry Christmas Jam has become a yearly tradition. I love gifting it to friends and family in little jars, tied with ribbons. It’s a simple way to share the joy of the season!

Why This Easy Merry Christmas Jam Stands Out

• Festive flavors: Combines tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, and warm spices.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with no complicated steps.
• Perfect for gifting: A thoughtful homemade gift for the holidays.
• Versatile: Delicious on toast, scones, or as a glaze for meats.
• Beginner-friendly: No need for special equipment or canning skills.

What You Need for Easy Merry Christmas Jam

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)

How to Make Easy Merry Christmas Jam

1. Prepare the fruit: In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, strawberries, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to soften and break down (about 10 minutes).
2. Add the sugar and spices: Stir in the sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Simmer and thicken: Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency. To test, drop a small amount on a chilled plate; it should wrinkle slightly when pushed with your finger.
4. Blend (optional): For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until desired consistency is reached.
5. Cool and store: Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Tips for Perfect Easy Merry Christmas Jam

• Use fresh spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves lose potency over time, so make sure yours are fresh for the best flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less sugar to suit your taste, keeping in mind that cranberries are quite tart.
• Chill for testing: Use the chilled plate method to check the jam’s consistency before removing it from the heat.

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap the fruit: Use raspberries or cherries instead of strawberries for a different flavor.
• Add a twist: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for extra depth.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat that pairs well with the sweetness.

Make a Healthier Version

• Reduce the sugar: Replace half the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Make it low-carb: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit.
• Boost the fiber: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the jam while it cooks to thicken it naturally.

Closing for Easy Merry Christmas Jam

And there you have it—Easy Merry Christmas Jam, a festive treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or give it as a heartfelt homemade gift. However you enjoy it, this jam is sure to bring a little extra holiday cheer to your table. Happy holidays, and happy jamming!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Merry Christmas Jam

Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, frozen cranberries and strawberries work perfectly for this recipe.

How long does this jam last?
Store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I can this jam?
Yes, follow proper water bath canning procedures for long-term storage.

What can I serve this jam with?
Spread it on toast, pair it with brie, or use it as a glaze for ham or turkey.

Can I make this jam sugar-free?
Yes, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit.

How do I sterilize jars for jam?
Wash the jars with hot, soapy water and rinse. Then place them in boiling water for 10 minutes before use.

Can I add nuts to the jam?
For texture, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts after cooking.

What if my jam is too thick?
Add a tablespoon of water or orange juice and heat gently to loosen it.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure you use a large enough pot to avoid overflow.

Is this jam gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What else can I use this jam for?
It’s great as a dessert topping, in thumbprint cookies, or swirled into oatmeal.

Can I gift this jam?
Absolutely! Package it in decorative jars with ribbons for a lovely homemade gift.

Easy Merry Christmas Jam

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Christmas, Occasions

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 1 tbsp orange zest

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the fruit: In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, strawberries, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to soften and break down (about 10 minutes).
• Add the sugar and spices: Stir in the sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Simmer and thicken: Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency. To test, drop a small amount on a chilled plate; it should wrinkle slightly when pushed with your finger.
• Blend (optional): For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until desired consistency is reached.
• Cool and store: Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.