Spiced Christmas Jam

With the holiday season just around the corner, there’s nothing that says Christmas quite like homemade Spiced Christmas Jam. This festive spread is filled with the cozy warmth of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and the sweet and tart blend of winter fruits like cranberries, oranges, and apples.

I love making this jam because it fills our home with the scent of the holidays and makes for a perfect gift for friends and family. My kids spread it over their toast every morning, and it’s a holiday breakfast tradition we all cherish. If you’re looking for a recipe that captures the essence of Christmas in a jar, this one is sure to become a new holiday favorite.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use frozen fruits for this jam?
A: Absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries or other fruits if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before adding them to the pot.

Q: How long does this jam last?
A: When stored properly in sterilized jars, this Spiced Christmas Jam can last up to 6 months in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store it in the fridge and use it within 3 weeks.

Q: Can I make this jam less sweet?
A: Yes, you can adjust the sugar according to your taste. Keep in mind that sugar helps preserve the jam, so reducing it may affect the shelf life. Consider adding a bit of lemon juice if you reduce the sugar to maintain the balance of flavors.

Q: How do I know when the jam is ready?
A: A simple test is the “wrinkle test.” Place a small plate in the freezer before you start cooking. When the jam thickens, drop a bit on the cold plate and push it with your finger—if it wrinkles, the jam is ready.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: While it’s tempting to make a large batch, it’s best to make smaller batches. This ensures the jam cooks evenly and achieves the perfect consistency without burning.

What You Need to Make Spiced Christmas Jam

12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

Zest and juice of 1 orange

2 cups granulated sugar

2 cinnamon sticks

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 packet pectin (optional, for thicker consistency)

Sterilized jars (for storage)

How to Make Spiced Christmas Jam

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Wash and chop the apples, zest the orange, and juice it. If using fresh cranberries, rinse them well.
2. Cook the Fruit:
   In a large pot, combine the cranberries, apples, orange zest, and juice. Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer and Stir:
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the fruits break down and the mixture thickens.
4. Check the Consistency:
   For a thicker jam, stir in pectin according to package instructions. Test the consistency using the wrinkle test (place a small spoonful on a chilled plate to see if it sets).
5. Jar the Jam:
   Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal the jars, and process them in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.
6. Cool and Store:
   Let the jars cool completely on a towel-lined surface. Once cooled, store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Refrigerate after opening.

Tips for the Best Spiced Christmas Jam

• Use Ripe Fruits: For the best flavor, make sure your apples are ripe and sweet. They’ll break down better and add natural sweetness to the jam.
• Sterilize Your Jars Properly: To avoid any bacteria or mold, make sure to thoroughly sterilize your jars before filling them with jam.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to your liking. If you love a spicier kick, add a pinch more!
• No Pectin? No Problem: If you don’t have pectin, the natural pectin in apples can help thicken the jam. Just cook it a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Label Your Jars: Add a cute label with the date and flavor of the jam—perfect for gifting during the holidays!

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This jam is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy! It made such a thoughtful gift for my neighbors, and they loved it.” – Linda

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I used frozen cranberries, and it turned out great! The spices really make it feel like Christmas in a jar.” – Sarah

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My kids put this on everything—toast, pancakes, you name it. It’s a new holiday tradition in our home.” – Megan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I found it a little too sweet for my taste, but adding a splash of lemon juice made it perfect. The flavor is amazing!” – David

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe was easy to follow, and the jam came out beautifully! It’s so festive and delicious.” – Rebecca

Printable Recipe

Spiced Christmas Jam

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Capture the warmth and magic of the holidays with this Spiced Christmas Jam! Made with cranberries, apples, oranges, and a blend of cozy spices, it's the perfect festive spread for toast, scones, or holiday gifting.

Print

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 packet pectin (optional, for thicker consistency)
• Sterilized jars (for storage)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:Wash and chop the apples, zest the orange, and juice it. If using fresh cranberries, rinse them well.
2. Cook the Fruit:In a large pot, combine the cranberries, apples, orange zest, and juice. Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer and Stir:Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the fruits break down and the mixture thickens.
4. Check the Consistency:For a thicker jam, stir in pectin according to package instructions. Test the consistency using the wrinkle test (place a small spoonful on a chilled plate to see if it sets).
5. Jar the Jam:Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal the jars, and process them in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.
6. Cool and Store:Let the jars cool completely on a towel-lined surface. Once cooled, store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Refrigerate after opening.

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

If you loved making this Spiced Christmas Jam, why not spread the holiday cheer? Share this recipe with your friends, family, and fellow holiday lovers on social media! There’s nothing like the joy of homemade gifts during the festive season, and this jam makes a beautiful addition to any Christmas breakfast or dessert spread. Tag your photos with #SpicedChristmasJam so we can see your creations! Your support means the world to us, and sharing helps others discover new favorites for their holiday table.