There’s something truly magical about the holiday season — twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and the scent of something sweet simmering on the stove. This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam captures that magic in a jar!
Made with tart cranberries, warm spices, and a hint of orange zest, this jam is the perfect blend of festive flavors. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into yogurt, or gifting it in little jars tied with ribbon, this jam brings a touch of homemade holiday cheer to every bite.
And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make — even if you’ve never made jam before!
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Condiment / Holiday / Breakfast |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 8 (makes about 2 cups) |
| Calories | ~80 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- Pinch of salt
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients:
Rinse the cranberries and discard any soft or bruised ones. Zest and juice your orange before you start cooking. - Combine and cook:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to mix. - Simmer to perfection:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens. - Add the finishing touch:
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and smooth sweetness to balance the tart berries. - Cool and store:
Let the jam cool to room temperature. Transfer to sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks — or freeze for longer storage.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Thickness check: The jam will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook it.
- Sweetness level: Adjust the sugar to taste — add a bit more for a sweeter jam or reduce slightly for a tangier finish.
- Gift idea: Pour the jam into small mason jars, add a festive ribbon, and gift it as homemade Christmas presents!
Recipe Variations
- Spiced Cranberry Jam: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra holiday warmth.
- Cranberry-Apple Jam: Replace 1 cup of cranberries with diced apples for a softer texture and a mellow sweetness.
- Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol for a lighter, keto-friendly twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread over buttery toast, English muffins, or warm biscuits.
- Swirl into Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a festive breakfast.
- Use as a glaze for roasted meats or spoon over baked brie for an elegant holiday appetizer.
Conclusion
Every spoonful of this Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam tastes like holiday joy. It’s simple, festive, and made with love — the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles. Whether you enjoy it fresh or gift it to someone special, this jam is the perfect homemade touch to your Christmas season.