This Christmas cranberry jam recipe will become your go-to for a burst of festive flavor that complements everything from breakfast pastries to charcuterie boards. Homemade Christmas cranberry jam is incredibly useful for elevating your holiday meals and gifts.
Key Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Jam
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, washed and picked over
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed preferred for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Orange Zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- Pinch of Ground Cloves
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Jam
Whip up a batch of this incredibly easy Christmas cranberry jam in under 30 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, holiday-ready condiment. Its bright, tangy flavor with hints of warm spice is a delightful departure from store-bought versions. This recipe boasts a rich, spreadable texture that’s perfect for slathering on toast or serving alongside roasted meats.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir gently to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed together.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. As it heats up, you’ll notice the cranberries starting to soften and pop.
- Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently. The jam will thicken as it simmers. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon nicely and the cranberries have broken down, though some whole ones are perfectly fine for texture.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This will help to brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
- Cool and Thicken Further: Remove the saucepan from the heat. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Allow it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before transferring it to jars.
- Jar and Store: Carefully spoon the warm Christmas cranberry jam into clean, sterilized jars. Leave a little headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth, then secure the lids tightly. Let the jam cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Jam
You’ll absolutely adore this Christmas cranberry jam for its dazzling festive color and its perfectly balanced sweet and tart flavor profile. It’s a far cry from the overly sweet or artificial-tasting jams you might find elsewhere, offering a satisfyingly complex taste that sings of the holidays. Plus, making this jam from scratch is incredibly budget-friendly, saving you money while delivering superior flavor compared to expensive gourmet options. The zesty orange and warm spices are the secret ingredients that elevate this beyond a simple cranberry sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.
Imagine spreading this ruby-red jewel on a warm scone, swirling it into yogurt, or serving it alongside your holiday turkey or ham. It’s versatile, delightful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Unlike a traditional cranberry sauce that can sometimes be too liquidy, this jam has a wonderfully thick and spreadable consistency that grips beautifully to whatever you pair it with. So, why not ditch the store-bought and embrace the joy of homemade this holiday season? Give this Christmas cranberry jam a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly stored Christmas cranberry jam can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. Ensure your jars are clean and the lids are tightly sealed. For longer storage, you can freeze the jam. Spoon cooled jam into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace, and it can be stored for up to 6 months. There is no real reheating needed for jam, as it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If you wish to soften it slightly, you can let it sit out for about 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas cranberry jam is more than just a condiment; it’s a little jar of holiday cheer ready to brighten any meal. Give it a try and experience the joy of homemade festive flavors this season.
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- Strawberry Vanilla Bean Jam Recipe
- No-Sugar Added Strawberry Jam
- Peach and Lavender Jam
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Christmas Cranberry Jam
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir gently to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed together.2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup Granulated Sugar, 1/2 cup Orange Juice, 1 tablespoon Orange Zest, 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, Pinch Ground Cloves
- Place the saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. As it heats up, you’ll notice the cranberries starting to soften and pop.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently. The jam will thicken as it simmers. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon nicely and the cranberries have broken down, though some whole ones are perfectly fine for texture.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This will help to brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Allow it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before transferring it to jars.
- Carefully spoon the warm Christmas cranberry jam into clean, sterilized jars. Leave a little headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth, then secure the lids tightly. Let the jam cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.