Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam Recipe

If you have been searching for a festive, flavorful spread that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays, look no further than this Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam Recipe. Bursting with vibrant cranberries, zesty oranges, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, this jam offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and aromatic notes that instantly brighten any breakfast table or holiday charcuterie board. It’s an absolute must-try for anyone who loves cozy, seasonal flavors with a hint of homemade charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this enchanting jam. Each element plays a unique role, whether infusing vibrant color, adding brightness, or deepening the warm, comforting spice profile.

• 4 cups fresh cranberries: The star ingredient, providing tartness and a beautiful ruby red hue.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the tart cranberries perfectly.
• 1 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed or store-bought, it adds citrus brightness and a natural tang.
• 1/2 cup water: Helps control the jam’s consistency during cooking.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth that rounds out the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a spicy kick that enhances the festive vibe.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle touch of nutty spice that complements the others wonderfully.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): For added tartness and freshness if you prefer a tangier jam.
• 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: The magic ingredient that ensures the jam sets beautifully.

How to Make Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Cranberries

Start by combining your fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally as it heats up. You’ll notice the cranberries begin to burst one by one, releasing their natural juices and filling your kitchen with an incredible festive aroma. This initial cooking stage usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes and creates the luscious base of your jam.

Step 2: Add Spices and Pectin

Once the cranberries have softened and thickened, stir in the ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and if you love a sharper edge, the optional lemon juice. Add the fruit pectin packet next and mix well to dissolve it completely. The pectin is key to giving this jam that perfectly glossy, spreadable texture you adore.

Step 3: Finish Cooking the Jam

Continue cooking the mixture for an additional five minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensuring even heat distribution. Watch the jam thicken as the pectin activates; this is when all the flavors meld beautifully together. Your kitchen smells like Christmas itself, warm and inviting!

Step 4: Jar and Seal the Jam

Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about a quarter-inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Wipe the rims with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a perfect seal, then process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 to 10 minutes. This step locks in the freshness and guarantees your jam will keep beautifully well. Once done, set the jars on a clean towel or cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

After cooling, store your Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam Recipe in a cool, dark place. While it will keep superbly for up to a year, the sooner you enjoy it, the more vibrant the flavors will be!

How to Serve Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam Recipe

Garnishes

To make your jam presentation even more inviting, consider garnishing it with a few fresh cranberries or a small twist of orange peel atop the jar before serving. A sprinkle of finely chopped rosemary or a dusting of cinnamon powder can also add an extra festive touch.

Side Dishes

This jam pairs beautifully with warm toast, buttery biscuits, or flaky croissants for breakfast or brunch. It’s also a lovely accompaniment to rich cheeses—imagine the sweet-tart contrast against cream cheese, brie, or sharp cheddar on your holiday cheese board.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by swirling a spoonful of the Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam Recipe into yogurt or oatmeal for an instant flavor upgrade. You can even use it as a glaze for roasted meats like turkey or ham, bringing in that festive sweetness and warming spices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover jam after your holiday festivities, simply store the unopened jars in a cool, dark space like a pantry. Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated to preserve freshness and flavor for up to three weeks.

Freezing

The good news is that this jam freezes well! Transfer it to freezer-safe containers leaving some space for expansion, and you can keep it frozen for up to six months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

When you want to reheat the jam, do so gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often. This will help restore its smooth texture without burning and bring those exquisite flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this jam?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well and are convenient when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just thaw them slightly before cooking.

Is the lemon juice necessary?

While optional, lemon juice brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness with a bit of tartness, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder taste.

How long does the jam last once opened?

Once opened and refrigerated, the jam is best consumed within three weeks to enjoy peak flavor and freshness.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just ensure you have appropriately sized jars and enough processing time during canning.

What if I don’t have fruit pectin?

Fruit pectin is important for proper jam setting, but if you don’t have any, you can experiment with longer cooking times to reduce the liquid. Keep in mind this may affect the final texture.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam Recipe is pure holiday magic in a jar. Its perfect blend of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and warming spices will brighten your festive mornings and add a touch of homemade love to any dish. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it—this jam is destined to become one of your seasonal favorites.

Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam Recipe

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4.3 from 81 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (approximately 2 cups of jam) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Spiced Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to create a festive, flavorful spread perfect for holiday breakfasts and gifts. The citrusy orange juice and optional lemon juice add bright tartness, while fruit pectin ensures the jam sets to the perfect consistency. Ideal for spreading on toast, serving with cheese, or adding a seasonal touch to desserts.

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Ingredients

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Fruit and Liquids

• 4 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added tartness)

Sweeteners and Spices

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Setting Agent

• 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)

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Instructions

1. Cook Cranberries: Place the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, water, and spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) into a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
2. Add Pectin: Stir in the fruit pectin thoroughly to incorporate it evenly into the mixture.
3. Continue Cooking: Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until the jam reaches your desired thickness and sets properly.
4. Prepare Jars: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during sealing.
5. Clean Jar Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any jam residue that could prevent proper sealing.
6. Process Jars: Place the filled jars into a boiling water bath and process for 5-10 minutes to ensure they seal correctly and the jam is safely preserved.
7. Cool Jars: Remove the jars carefully from the water bath and set them on a clean towel or rack to cool completely, listening for the sealing ‘pop’ sound.
8. Storage and Enjoyment: Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. For optimal flavor and quality, consume within one year of preparation.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for best texture and flavor; frozen can be used but may alter consistency.
• Lemon juice is optional but enhances the tartness and helps with setting the jam.
• Ensure jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
• Adjust sugar to taste if more or less sweetness is preferred.
• Use a candy thermometer if desired to check for proper jam setting temperature (around 220°F).
• This jam pairs wonderfully with toast, cheese platters, and desserts during the holiday season.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American