Last December, on one of those long winter evenings when the house smelled faintly of pine and cinnamon, I found myself in the kitchen surrounded by baskets of fresh cranberries and strawberries. My granddaughter had just helped me string popcorn for the tree, and as she skipped off humming a carol, I looked at the fruit and thought, “Why not turn this moment into something delicious and lasting?” That’s how my Christmas Jam came to life.
It’s funny how cooking becomes a reflection of the season you’re in. I didn’t plan it; I just wanted to capture that comforting blend of tart, sweet, and spiced that makes the holidays feel so magical. The slow cooker hummed softly in the background while snow drifted outside, and the scent of simmering fruit filled every corner of the house. My husband peeked in more than once, drawn by the aroma, asking, “Is it ready yet?”
When the jam finally cooled and thickened, I spooned it into little jars tied with red ribbon—simple gifts from the heart. That night, we spread it over warm biscuits while the fire crackled, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly still. It wasn’t just jam; it was Christmas in a jar, wrapped in the laughter and warmth of family.
Short Description
This Cozy Christmas Jam combines tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, and festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a sweet, tangy preserve that captures the warmth and flavor of the holidays in every spoonful.
Key Ingredients
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
- 2 cups brown sugar
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker
- Blender or immersion blender
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Glass jars with lids for storing
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add cranberries, strawberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and brown sugar to the slow cooker. Stir well until everything is coated and mixed evenly.
Step 2: Cook Slowly
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours without lifting the lid. The fruit will release its juices, bubble gently, and begin to break down.
Step 3: Blend to Perfection
Once the cooking time is up, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Pulse gently until a jam-like texture forms—don’t over-blend, or it will turn into cranberry butter.
Step 4: Cool and Thicken
Let the jam cool completely. It will thicken naturally as it rests, thanks to the natural pectin in cranberries.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Spoon the cooled jam into clean jars and seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator or give as holiday gifts.
Tip: If your jam seems too thin at first, let it sit for a few hours—it will firm up beautifully as it cools.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive Flavor: The blend of cranberries, strawberries, and warm spices tastes like the holidays.
Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker—no need to stand over the stove.
Naturally Thickened: Cranberries add natural pectin, so there’s no need for gelatin or additives.
Perfect for Gifting: Jar it up with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.
Versatile Enjoyment: Spread it on biscuits, swirl it into yogurt, or drizzle it over cheesecake.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Over-blending the mixture: This will create a too-smooth texture like cranberry butter. Solution: Pulse gently and stop as soon as you see small fruit bits remaining.
Opening the lid during cooking: This lets steam escape and slows down the process. Solution: Trust the slow cooker—no peeking for 4 hours.
Using frozen fruit without thawing: It may add too much water. Solution: Thaw and drain before cooking.
Adding extra sugar too early: The flavor develops as it cooks. Solution: Taste at the end before adjusting sweetness.
Not letting it cool fully: The jam thickens as it cools. Solution: Be patient before deciding if it’s too thin.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Spread over warm biscuits, toast, or croissants.
Serve as a glaze for roasted ham or turkey.
Swirl into oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream.
Pair with soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese for appetizers.
Gift in jars with a handwritten tag for a festive touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store in airtight jars for up to 3 weeks.
Freeze: Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm a spoonful in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or let sit at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid.
2. My jam looks too runny—what should I do?
Let it cool completely; cranberries naturally thicken as they set.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but it may affect the balance and shelf life. Start with 1½ cups and adjust to taste.
4. How long does it last in the fridge?
It keeps well for about 3 weeks when sealed properly.
5. Is this jam safe for canning?
This version isn’t tested for long-term canning, but it’s perfect for short-term storage or gifting.
Tips & Tricks
Always use ripe, firm strawberries for the best sweetness.
A squeeze of orange juice before cooking adds brightness and depth.
Add a cinnamon stick while cooking for a more robust spice note.
Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
Double the batch, you’ll wish you had more once you taste it.
Recipe Variations
Citrus Christmas Jam: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest and ½ cup orange juice for a tangy twist.
Spiced Apple Jam: Replace half the strawberries with diced apples; cook as directed for a cozy, apple-forward flavor.
Berry Medley Jam: Mix in raspberries or blueberries for a deeper berry flavor and jewel-like color.
Ginger Cranberry Jam: Increase ginger to 1 teaspoon and add a pinch of allspice for a warming kick.
Honey-Sweetened Jam: Swap half the brown sugar for honey; it’ll add floral sweetness and a softer finish.
Final Thoughts
When the snow is falling outside and the house feels a little too quiet after the bustle of the holidays, I love opening a jar of this Christmas Jam. The scent alone takes me right back to that cozy night when I first made it, with my granddaughter giggling in the living room and carols humming from the old radio. It’s more than a recipe to me, it’s a little piece of our family’s winter story, sealed in a jar.
There’s comfort in knowing that a handful of simple ingredients can carry such warmth. So as you stir, blend, and taste your own batch, I hope your kitchen fills with the same joy mine did that night. Because that’s the real magic of Christmas, it’s not in the gifts or the glitter, but in the small, sweet things we share around the table.
Christmas Jam
Ingredients
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries about 6 cups
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Add cranberries, strawberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and brown sugar to the slow cooker and stir until evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours without lifting the lid as the fruit releases its juices and breaks down.
- Blend the mixture gently with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until it reaches a jam-like texture—avoid over-blending to prevent it from turning into cranberry butter.
- Let it cool completely to thicken naturally from the cranberries’ pectin. Spoon into clean jars, seal tightly, and refrigerate or share as festive gifts.
