Homemade Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe for Perfect Holiday Gifts

Posted on October 31, 2025

Imagine this: It’s a chilly December evening, and your kitchen is filled with the cozy scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and simmering fruits. That’s exactly the magic of making homemade Spiced Christmas Jam—a recipe that turns simple ingredients into jars of holiday cheer. I’ve been gifting this jam for years, and let me tell you, it’s always the star of the season.

This recipe started as a way to use up the surplus of cranberries after Thanksgiving. But over time, it’s become a tradition. Friends and family now expect it every year, and honestly, I love the excuse to spend an afternoon in the kitchen, listening to Christmas music while making something so special.

Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, a festive addition to your holiday breakfast spread, or just an excuse to fill your home with the smells of the season, this Spiced Christmas Jam is everything you need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about this Spiced Christmas Jam that goes beyond its sweet and tangy flavor. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:

It’s packed with holiday flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give this jam a cozy, festive warmth that’s perfect for the season.
Simple ingredients: Fresh cranberries, oranges, and sugar—you probably already have most of these in your kitchen.
Perfect for gifting: It’s easy to make in big batches, and the vibrant red color looks gorgeous in a mason jar tied with a ribbon.
Versatile: Spread it on toast, mix it into yogurt, or use it as a glaze for holiday meats. It’s a true multitasker.
Make-ahead friendly: It lasts for months in the fridge or freezer, so you can get your holiday prep done early.

Honestly, this jam is like Christmas in a jar. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a holiday pro, even if you’re winging the rest of your festive season.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Spiced Christmas Jam is delightfully simple yet full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh cranberries (4 cups / 400g): These are the base of the jam. Their tartness balances perfectly with the sugary sweetness.
Oranges (2 medium): You’ll use both the zest and juice for a bright citrusy flavor. I recommend navel oranges for their sweetness.
Granulated sugar (4 cups / 800g): Yes, it’s a lot of sugar—it’s jam! The sugar helps preserve the jam and gives it that glossy texture.
Cinnamon sticks (2): Whole cinnamon adds depth to the flavor while infusing the jam as it cooks.
Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds that warm, cozy spice we all associate with the holidays.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Gives the jam a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the citrus and cranberries.
Water (1 cup / 240ml): Helps the cranberries break down as they simmer.
Pectin (1 packet / 85g): This ensures the jam thickens properly. I’ve had great results with Sure-Jell or Ball pectin.

Quick note: If you don’t have fresh cranberries, frozen ones work just fine—no need to thaw them first. And if you want to experiment, you could add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract at the very end for extra depth.

Equipment Needed

Good news! You don’t need fancy equipment to make this recipe. Here’s what I use:

Large pot: A heavy-bottomed pot is best to prevent the jam from burning. Mine is a 6-quart Dutch oven, and it works perfectly.
Wooden spoon: For stirring the jam as it cooks. I love wooden spoons because they don’t scratch the pot.
Microplane or zester: To get that finely grated orange zest without the bitter white pith.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for jam-making.
Canning jars: Mason jars with tight-fitting lids work best for storing and gifting.
Jar lifter or tongs: If you’re water-bathing the jars to seal them, this tool is a lifesaver.

Don’t have a zester? No problem—use the smallest holes on a box grater. And if you don’t have canning jars, any clean, airtight container will work for fridge storage.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get into the fun part: making your Spiced Christmas Jam! Follow these steps, and I promise it’ll turn out beautifully.

Prep your ingredients (10 minutes): Wash the cranberries and zest your oranges (don’t skip this step—it adds so much flavor). Juice the oranges, and set aside the zest and juice.
Cook the cranberries (15 minutes): In your large pot, combine cranberries, orange juice, water, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and ginger. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally, and cook until the cranberries burst and start to break down.
Add sugar and pectin (10 minutes): Stir in the sugar and pectin. Return the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Boil hard for 1-2 minutes—it should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon. Remove the cinnamon sticks.
Test for doneness (5 minutes): To check if your jam is ready, spoon a small amount onto a cold plate and let it cool for 1 minute. Run your finger through the jam—it should wrinkle and hold its shape. If not, boil for another minute and test again.
Transfer to jars (10 minutes): Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids, and let cool completely. If you’re canning, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them.

Done! Your kitchen probably smells heavenly right now. Let the jars cool fully before gifting or storing.

My Best Tips & Techniques

After making this recipe every holiday season for years, here are my top tips:

Don’t skip the zest: The orange zest is what takes this jam from good to amazing. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
Use fresh spices: If your nutmeg and ginger have been sitting in the cabinet since last Christmas, replace them. Fresh spices make a huge difference.
Simmer patiently: Let the cranberries break down fully before adding sugar and pectin. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Cool completely: This jam thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny when you first transfer it to jars.
Label your jars: A simple tag with “Spiced Christmas Jam” and the date makes gifting feel extra thoughtful.

Real talk: The first time I made this, I rushed the boiling process and ended up with runny jam. Don’t be me. Let it cook properly, and you’ll be rewarded with perfect results.

Ways to Mix It Up

If you want to get creative, here are some fun variations I’ve tried:

Apple-Cranberry Spice: Replace half the cranberries with peeled, diced apples. Adds a mellow sweetness that’s perfect for apple lovers.
Spiced Berry Medley: Add 1 cup of frozen raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry vibe. Gorgeous color, too!
Vanilla Twist: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract right before transferring to jars. Adds a creamy depth that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Chili Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat that’s unexpected but delicious.
Rum-Infused Jam: Stir in 2 tablespoons of spiced rum at the end for a boozy twist. Perfect for adult gifting!

Make it yours! The base recipe is solid, but experimenting with flavors is half the fun.

Serving Ideas & Storage

Here’s how to make the most of your Spiced Christmas Jam:

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast: Spread it on toast, English muffins, or bagels.
Snack: Pair with cream cheese on crackers for a quick appetizer.
Dessert: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake.
Glaze: Warm it slightly and brush over roasted ham or turkey.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: If jars are properly sealed, they’ll last up to 6 months in a cool, dark place.
Refrigerator: Once opened, store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze unopened jars for up to 1 year. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Pro tip: If gifting, include serving suggestions on the tag. People love creative ideas!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Let’s be real—this is jam, so it’s sweet. But it does have some redeeming qualities!

Nutritional Info (per tablespoon)
Calories:	50
Sugar:	12g
Vitamin C:	8% daily value
Fiber:	1g

Thanks to the cranberries and oranges, this jam is a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C. And hey, it’s homemade, so no weird preservatives or additives.

Fair warning: It’s not low-calorie. But during the holidays, it’s about balance, right?

Final Thoughts

That’s my Spiced Christmas Jam recipe! It’s festive, delicious, and guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to anyone who tastes it.

Making this has become one of my favorite holiday traditions, and I hope it becomes part of yours, too. Whether you gift it or keep it all to yourself (no judgment), it’s a recipe you’ll come back to year after year.

Let me know if you try it! Share your thoughts in the comments, or tag me on Instagram @[your handle]—I love seeing your creations.

Happy holidays and happy cooking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?

A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. No need to thaw—just toss them in the pot.

Q: Do I have to use pectin?

A: Yes, pectin helps the jam thicken properly. If you don’t have any, you could try adding grated apple (which is naturally high in pectin), but results may vary.

Q: Can I double this recipe?

A: Yes, just use a larger pot to ensure it doesn’t boil over. Doubling works great if you’re gifting or stocking up.

Q: How long does it take to set?

A: It thickens as it cools. You’ll notice it firming up within an hour after transferring to jars.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Definitely! This jam can be made weeks in advance and stored until you’re ready to gift or use.

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