If there’s one thing I love making during the holiday season, it’s Spiced Strawberry & Cranberry Christmas Jam. It’s bright, fruity, warm, and beautifully spiced—everything Christmas should taste like. This small-batch jam is perfect for gifting, spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, or spooning over desserts. The color alone feels like Christmas cheer in a jar!
The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make and requires only one pot. Whether you’re a seasoned jam maker or trying it for the first time, this recipe is beginner-friendly and absolutely foolproof.
Quick Facts
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Serving Size: Fills 2 medium jars (about 2 cups of jam)
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jam
This is not your regular strawberry jam—this one is:
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Sweet, tart, and perfectly spiced
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Made with natural fruit—no artificial flavors
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A beautiful edible gift for friends and family
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Thick, glossy, and spreads beautifully
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Ready in under 40 minutes
The cranberries add that classic holiday tang, while the strawberries keep the jam naturally sweet and vibrant. Warm spices like cinnamon and cloves make the whole kitchen smell like Christmas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled & chopped)
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1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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2 cloves (remove after cooking)
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Optional: zest of 1 orange for extra festive flavor
How to Make Spiced Strawberry & Cranberry Christmas Jam
Step 1: Combine Fruits and Sugar
In a saucepan, add strawberries, cranberries, and sugar. Let them sit for 5 minutes. This helps the fruit release juices.
Step 2: Cook Until Bubbly
Turn on medium heat and let the mixture bubble gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add Spices
Add lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange zest if using. Your kitchen will instantly smell like Christmas!
Step 4: Mash and Reduce
Mash the strawberries with a spoon as they soften. Let the jam thicken for 15–20 minutes on low heat.
Step 5: Remove the Cloves
Once the jam is glossy and thick, remove the cloves.
Step 6: Store
Pour immediately into clean, sterilized jars. Let cool completely before sealing.
The jam thickens even more as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
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Spread on warm toast or fresh bread
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Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
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Dollop on pancakes or waffles
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Use as a glaze for holiday chicken or turkey
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Spoon over cheesecake, brownies, or ice cream
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Add inside thumbprint cookies
Tips for Customization
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Less sugar? Use coconut sugar or reduce sugar slightly.
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More spice? Add star anise or ginger.
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Citrusy twist: Add orange juice instead of lemon.
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Chunky jam: Mash lightly or leave whole berries.
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Smooth jam: Blend gently once cooled.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per tablespoon)
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Calories: 35
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Carbs: 9g
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Sugar: 8g
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Fiber: 0.5g
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Fat: 0g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, frozen strawberries and cranberries work perfectly.
2. How long does the jam last?
1 month refrigerated, up to 6 months frozen.
3. Does this recipe need pectin?
No—the cranberries naturally thicken the jam.
4. My jam is too thin. What should I do?
Cook it a little longer on low heat until it thickens.
5. My jam is too thick. Can I fix it?
Yes, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of warm water to loosen it.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Strawberry & Cranberry Christmas Jam is one of my favorite holiday recipes. It’s festive, delicious, and makes your kitchen smell magical. Plus, it’s so pretty in jars that it instantly becomes a thoughtful, homemade gift.
