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Best Christmas Jam Recipe | Holiday Canning for Beginners

This homemade Christmas jam combines sweet strawberries and tart cranberries for a festive, flavorful spread that’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, gifting, and entertaining. Ready in just 35 minutes, this strawberry-cranberry jam captures the taste and color of Christmas in every jar.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 10 half-pint jars
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 84
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2½ quarts fresh strawberries hulled (or 40 oz frozen, thawed)
  • 1 lb fresh or frozen cranberries thawed
  • 5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 pouches liquid fruit pectin 3 oz each
  • Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp orange zest, ¼ tsp ground cloves, ¼ tsp ground allspice

Method
 

  1. Sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling for 10 minutes or running through a dishwasher on high heat. Rinse and prepare strawberries and cranberries.
  2. In a food processor, grind the fruit until finely chopped but not pureed—keep visible fruit pieces for a jam-like texture.
  3. Transfer fruit to a Dutch oven and stir in sugar (plus optional spices). Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for exactly 1 minute.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in both pouches of liquid pectin, and return to a full boil for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Let the jam rest for 5 minutes, then skim off foam. Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal with lids.
  6. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, then cool undisturbed for 12 hours. Check seals before storing.

Notes

Use firm, fresh fruit for best results. Maintain the exact boiling times for proper gelling. Optional spices like cinnamon or orange zest enhance festive flavor. Avoid overprocessing fruit to retain jam texture.