Spiced Christmas Jam is a vibrant blend of cranberries and strawberries simmered with warm cinnamon. It has a bright, tangy-sweet flavor, a glossy ruby color, and a soft spreadable texture that works on toast, scones, and biscuits.
It is a practical make-ahead gift for the holidays and a cheerful addition to a weekend breakfast spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: You only need fruit, sugar, lemon, and cinnamon.
- Bright, balanced flavor: Tart cranberries offset the sweet strawberries, and the spices add warmth without overpowering the fruit.
- Gift-friendly: A small jar tied with ribbon makes a thoughtful homemade present.
- Beginner-friendly: It requires one pot and about 30 minutes of hands-on time.
Spiced Christmas Jam Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups (300 g) hulled and chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
Ingredient Notes
Cranberries provide the tartness and natural pectin that helps the jam set. Strawberries add a soft, sweet fruitiness. Lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds acidity to support thickening. Frozen cranberries work well and do not need to be thawed first.
Equipment You’ll Need
- A medium heavy-bottomed saucepan
- A wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- A cutting board and sharp knife
- Clean glass jars with lids
- An instant-read thermometer (optional)
How to Make Spiced Christmas Jam
- Hull and chop the strawberries into small pieces, about 1/2 inch (1 cm). Rinse the cranberries and discard any soft or shriveled berries.
- Combine the cranberries, strawberries, water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and star anise in a saucepan. Stir well.
- Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low so it bubbles steadily without splattering. Cook for about 12 to 18 minutes, stirring often, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens.
- To test the set, spoon a small amount onto a chilled plate, wait 1 minute, then run your finger through it. If the surface wrinkles and the line holds, the jam is ready. If it runs back together, simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes and test again.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise. Stir in the ground cinnamon.
- Let the jam cool slightly, then transfer it to clean jars. Cover and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Pro Tips for the Best Jam
- Chop the strawberries evenly so the jam cooks at the same rate.
- Use a wide pan if you want the jam to thicken faster, since more surface area helps moisture evaporate.
- Stir often near the end of cooking, because the sugar can scorch on the bottom of the pan.
- Keep the spices whole during cooking for a gentle flavor, then add ground cinnamon at the end for a stronger warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking: Jam thickens as it cools, so pulling it off the heat once it looks thick but still slightly loose will help prevent a stiff texture.
Skipping the plate test: Guessing the set is easy to get wrong. The cold plate test gives you a clearer answer.
Using too much ground cinnamon early: Ground cinnamon can turn bitter or gritty if cooked too long, so add it at the end.
Variations and Substitutions
- Orange twist: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest with the lemon juice.
- Less sugar: You can reduce the sugar slightly, but the jam will be softer and may keep for a shorter time.
- Vanilla version: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Spread the jam on warm scones, buttered toast, or biscuits. It also pairs well with yogurt, oatmeal, or a cheese board with sharp cheddar and brie.
Storage and Reheating
Store the jam in clean, airtight jars in the refrigerator. Refrigerated jam is best used within about 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers and leave headspace for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. If you plan to store jam at room temperature, follow a tested canning method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes. Frozen cranberries work well. Add them directly to the pot without thawing.
How do I know when the jam is done?
Use the cold plate test. The jam is ready when the surface wrinkles after a short wait and the spoon trail holds its shape.
Why is my jam too runny?
It likely needs a few more minutes of simmering. Cook it a little longer and retest on a cold plate.
Can I make this jam without strawberries?
Yes. Use all cranberries or try raspberries or pears as a substitute, adjusting sugar to taste.
Can I give this jam as a gift?
Yes. Spiced Christmas Jam is a popular homemade gift. Add a label with the date and storage instructions, and keep it refrigerated until gifting.
