(Makes about 4 cups / 3–4 half-pint jars)
- 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 2 large navel oranges (zest + juice—about 1 cup total)
- 1 lemon (zest + juice—about ¼ cup)
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
- 2 whole cloves (or a pinch of ground cloves)
- Optional: ½ tsp fresh ginger, grated, or 1 star anise for extra warmth
💡 Pro Tips:
- Use organic citrus if zesting—the peel goes into the jam!
- Sugar can be reduced to 1½ cups for a tarter jam (will be softer-set).
- No canning gear? Store in the fridge for 3 weeks or freeze for 6 months.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Simple, Fragrant, Foolproof)
1. Prep the Fruit
- Zest both oranges and the lemon, then juice them (you’ll need ~1 cup orange juice + ¼ cup lemon juice).
- Give cranberries a rough chop if you prefer smoother jam (or leave whole for texture).
2. Simmer the Jam
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine cranberries, citrus zest, citrus juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.
- Reduce heat and simmer 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and cranberries have burst.
→ Test for doneness: Spoon a bit onto a cold plate—if it gels slightly and doesn’t run, it’s ready.
3. Cool & Jar
- Remove cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Let jam cool 10–15 minutes (it thickens more as it cools).
- Ladle into clean, dry jars.
4. Store or Gift
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 3–4 weeks.
- Freezer: Leave ½-inch headspace, freeze up to 6 months.
- Canning (optional): Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for shelf-stable jam (up to 1 year).
Creative Ways to Use Your Christmas Jam
- 🧀 Spread on brie or cambozola for a holiday cheese board
- 🥐 Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt for festive breakfasts
- 🍰 Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies or linzer tarts
- 🍞 Pair with freshly baked sourdough or scones
- 🥃 Stir into cocktails (try it in a champagne mimosa or whiskey sour!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes! No need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Q: Why didn’t my jam set?
A: Cranberry jam is naturally softer than berry jams. For firmer set, add 1 extra tbsp lemon juice (boosts pectin) or simmer longer.
Q: Is this jam gluten-free and vegan?
A: Yes! It’s naturally GF and plant-based.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes—but use a very large pot to prevent boil-overs.
A Jar Full of Holiday Cheer
This Homemade Christmas Jam isn’t just a spread—it’s a gesture of love. Whether you’re tucking a jar into a neighbor’s mailbox, pairing it with homemade bread for a gift basket, or enjoying it solo with a cup of tea on a quiet December evening, it carries the warmth of the season in every bite.
So grab those cranberries, zest those oranges, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of Christmas. Because the best holiday traditions aren’t bought—they’re stirred with care and shared with joy.
Do you make holiday jam in your family? What’s your favorite way to enjoy it?
Share your traditions in the comments! And if this recipe sparked your inner jam-maker, pass it on to someone who deserves a taste of homemade holiday magic. 🍊🎄✨
