Cozy Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive, heartwarming treat to brighten your holiday mornings or add a charming touch to your gift-giving, this homemade Christmas jam recipe is pure magic. Combining tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, and a cozy blend of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, It’s Cozy & Delicious! Every spoonful bursts with a joyful balance of flavors that instantly wraps you in holiday comfort. Spread it on toast, pair it with buttery biscuits, or add it to your charcuterie board for that extra special seasonal flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the vibrant color from fresh cranberries to the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, elevated by warm spices that bring the festive spirit to life.

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries: Adds tartness and vibrant color that lifts the jam’s flavor.
• 6 cups fresh strawberries: Provides natural sweetness and a luscious texture.
• 1 orange zested: Bright citrus notes that balance the berries and spices perfectly.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth, embodying the essence of holiday flavors.
• ½ tsp ground allspice: Adds a subtle spicy complexity.
• ½ tsp ground cloves: Infuses the jam with aromatic, festive notes.
• 1 fresh vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract: Offers a rich sweetness to round out the spice.
• 4 tbsp fruit pectin: Essential for achieving that perfect jam consistency.
• 3 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps preserve the jam.

How to Make Cozy Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by rinsing your cranberries under cold water and letting them drain in a colander. Then, wash your strawberries, remove the stems, and cut them in half. This prep ensures your fruit is clean and ready to release maximum flavor as you cook.

Step 2: Sterilize and Prepare Jars

Wash your jars and lids in warm, soapy water. Keep the lids and bands aside. Place the jars in a large pot of hot water to warm them up—this prevents cracking when you fill them with hot jam. Start bringing this water to a boil so it’s ready for your water bath later.

Step 3: Extract Flavor from Vanilla Bean

If using a fresh vanilla bean, slice it open lengthwise without cutting all the way through, and scrape out the seeds with a metal spoon. This fresh vanilla adds an intoxicating fragrance that’s truly irreplaceable. If you’re using vanilla extract, just set it aside for later.

Step 4: Break Down the Berries

Using a food processor, pulse the cranberries about 10-12 times until they begin breaking down, then transfer them to a large pot. Pulse the strawberries similarly and add them to the pot. This step releases the natural juices to build body and flavor for your jam.

Step 5: Cook and Simmer

Heat the pot over medium-high until the fruit mixture starts to simmer, then lower the heat to medium. Stir in the cinnamon, allspice, cloves, orange zest, vanilla seeds (or vanilla extract if using later), and pectin. Mix everything well for an even spice infusion.

Step 6: Sweeten and Thicken

Slowly pour in the granulated sugar while stirring. Bring the jam to a full rolling boil. Use an instant-read thermometer and cook until the jam reaches approximately 220°F. This temperature ensures proper thickening so your jam will hold lovely on toast or baked goods. A good test is to see if the jam coats the back of a wooden spoon and doesn’t run off easily.

Step 7: Remove Foam and Jar the Jam

Once thickened, take the pot off heat and carefully skim off any foam from the top with a small spoon—this will give your jam a beautiful, clear finish. Ladle the hot jam into your warmed jars, leaving about a ¼ inch space at the top. Wipe the rims clean to ensure a tight seal.

Step 8: Seal and Water Bath

Place lids and bands on jars, tightening them fingertip tight only. Submerge the jars back into the boiling water pot, ensuring they’re covered by at least one inch of water. Boil for 12 minutes to seal and preserve. Then, remove jars carefully and let them sit undisturbed to cool for 12 hours.

How to Serve Cozy Cranberry Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe

Garnishes

Top your jam-topped toast with a little whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh mint for eye-catching appeal and extra freshness that complements the warm spices wonderfully. A few whole cranberries or thin orange slices work beautifully as edible decor on a serving spread.

Side Dishes

This jam shines alongside buttery biscuits, rich cream cheese, or a platter featuring aged cheeses and cured meats. It’s perfect for elevating a simple breakfast or creating an elegant appetizer board that’s bursting with seasonal charm.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider gifting your homemade jam in vintage mason jars tied with rustic twine and a sprig of pine or cinnamon stick. Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or swirl it into plain yogurt for a festive twist. The cozy qualities make it versatile and delightful in so many culinary moments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once opened, store your jam in the refrigerator and enjoy within a week to savor the freshest taste. Unopened and properly sealed jars can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to twelve months, making this a perfect make-ahead holiday treat.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for longer, you can freeze jam in freezer-safe containers. Leave some headspace for expansion, and thaw gently in the fridge before serving. Keep in mind, freezing may slightly change the jam’s texture but the flavor remains beautifully intact.

Reheating

Gently warm leftover jam on the stove or in the microwave before serving if it has firmed up too much. Stir occasionally to restore that pourable, spreadable texture that’s cozy and indulgent every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries for this recipe?

While fresh berries provide the best texture and color, you can use frozen berries if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pulsing and cooking.

What if I don’t have fruit pectin?

Fruit pectin is key to getting the right jam consistency quickly. Without it, your jam will take longer to set and may be runnier. You can cook it down longer or add a natural pectin-rich fruit like apple, but expect a different texture.

How do I know if my jars are properly sealed?

After cooling, press the center of each lid. A sealed jar will not pop back up when pressed. If it does pop up, store that jar in the fridge and consume quickly.

Can I substitute vanilla extract for a vanilla bean?

Yes! If using vanilla extract, add it after the jam is removed from heat to preserve the full flavor. Vanilla beans give a slightly richer, more natural aroma.

Is this jam suitable as a gift?

Absolutely! Homemade jam in pretty jars with thoughtful garnishes makes a heartfelt and festive gift that friends and family will adore—and the fact that It’s Cozy & Delicious! means giving just got that much sweeter.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade jam that combines the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spice. This Christmas jam proves beyond a doubt that creating your own cozy, delicious treats is not only satisfying but downright joyful. I promise once you make it, you’ll see why It’s Cozy & Delicious! features so prominently in my holiday kitchen. Give it a try and let this jam warm your heart and home throughout the season!

Print