Berry Christmas Jam

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Every year around the holidays, I love making something homemade for friends and neighbors. This year, I am sharing the recipe for one of my favorite homemade gifts: Berry Christmas Jam.

This gorgeous ruby-red jam tastes like the holidays in a jar. It’s cozy and bright with cranberries, rich with blueberries, sweetened with strawberries, and warm from cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and citrus. Even better, this recipe requires no pectin. The cranberries and lemon have enough natural pectin that the jam thickens beautifully all on its own with a slow simmer.

Six jars of jam are stacked next to two miniature Christmas trees; two jars have festive ribbon bows tied around them.
Festive, fruity, cozy, and perfect for gifting
Four images show Christmas-themed ornaments: stamped clay decorations, vintage glass bulbs, painted shell ornaments with trees, and a festive holiday table setting.
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Berry Christmas Jam

Two jars of dark purple jam with metal lids, each decorated with a colorful ribbon, one red gingham and one red tartan, set against a blurred green background.

Berry Christmas Jam also photographs beautifully, which, of course, I love! And it makes the most wonderful hostess gifts, neighbor gifts, teacher gifts, or basket-fillers for any holiday brunch or breakfast board.

Today I’m sharing the full recipe, step-by-step, plus a downloadable printable recipe card and a set of gift tags you can print and tie onto your jars. Because it’s the holidays — and the details matter.

Why This Christmas Jam Is Extra Special

Five glass jars filled with dark purple jam are stacked in a pyramid next to two small artificial pine trees.

There are a lot of Christmas jam recipes out there, but this one is unique for a few reasons:

1. No added pectin

The magic comes from cranberries (one of the highest natural-pectin fruits) and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Both help the jam thicken naturally during a slow simmer.

2. The holiday fruit mix

This recipe has cranberries for brightness, blueberries for depth, strawberries for sweetness, and orange and lemon for freshness. Together they create a deep, jewel-toned jam that feels festive and luxurious.

3. Warm holiday spices

My recipe uses Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, and optionally ginger. These cozy spices make the whole kitchen smell like Christmas while the jam simmers.

4. It makes a beautiful handmade gift

Tie a little ribbon and gift tag around the jar, and you’re done.
(You can download the printable tags below!)


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Two rolls of white fabric ribbon with red stripes, perfect for gift wrapping, alongside two tied bows of the same design.

1-1/2″ Wide White Satin Ribbon – 50 Yards

A stack of blank square tags, perfect for gift wrapping, with one tied by twine, sits next to an untied bundle of twine.

Square Gift Tags,100 PCS

Five rolls of sheer ribbon in maroon, red, green, teal, and gold are elegantly arranged in a row, perfect for adding a touch of flair to gift wrapping.

5 Rolls Holiday Color Organza Ribbon

How to Make Berry Christmas Jam

Several jars filled with dark red preserves, each sealed with a metal lid; two jars are decorated with checkered and plaid ribbon bows.

1. Combine the fruit and citrus

A metal colander filled with chopped strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, and a sprinkle of grated orange zest.

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, orange zest and juice, and lemon zest and juice. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes so the fruit begins releasing its juices.

2. Heat and break down the fruit

A saucepan of cranberries cooking on a stovetop, with red foam forming on the surface and steam rising.

Place the pot over medium heat and begin warming the fruit. Lightly mash the berries using a potato masher, or give them 2–3 quick pulses with an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother jam. Don’t puree too much — you want a little texture.

3. Add sugar and spices

A pot of red berry mixture is being stirred with a spatula, with visible sugar sprinkled on top and steam rising from the hot contents.

Once the mixture is warm and the fruit has begun to break down, add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger if using. Stir well and raise the heat slightly until all the sugar dissolves.

4. Simmer low and slow

Allow the jam to simmer on medium-low heat for 25–35 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent scorching on the bottom. You’ll notice the cranberries pop and the mixture thicken into a deep red, glossy jam.

5. Check for doneness (the cold-plate test)

Place a plate in your freezer. When you think the jam might be ready, drop a small spoonful onto the cold plate.
• If it thickens and wrinkles slightly when you push it, the jam is done.
• If it’s still runny, simmer 5–7 more minutes and test again.

Natural pectin thickens more as it cools, so don’t overcook it.

6. Finish the jam

A hand holds a bottle of Cointreau liqueur above a saucepan filled with a dark, berry mixture being stirred on a stove.

Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in vanilla or liqueur if you’re using it, and/or Grand Marnier adds such a gorgeous holiday flavor. Let the jam rest for two minutes so the fruit pieces settle evenly.

7. Jar the jam

Six glass jars filled with dark red jam are arranged on a metal tray, viewed from above. Some jars have small spills around the rim.

Ladle the hot jam into sanitized jars, leaving ¼ inch at the top.

Close with lids and either:
• Refrigerate up to 4 weeks
• Freeze up to 6 months
• Or water-bath can for 10 minutes for pantry storage

8. Give the jars a Water Bath (optional)

Several glass jars with metal lids are being sterilized in a boiling water bath, with steam rising around them.
Yield: Makes about 6 half-pint jars

Berry Christmas Jam

Two glass jars of dark jam with metal lids, each decorated with a large, colorful ribbon bow, are placed on a wicker surface outdoors.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • Fruit
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1½ cups blueberries
  • 1½ cups strawberries, hulled and chopped (frozen works perfectly)
  • Zest and juice of 1 orange (about ½ cup juice)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp juice)
  • Sugar
  • 3½–4 cups granulated sugar
  • (start with 3½ cups and add more if you prefer sweeter)
  • Spices
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • Optional Flavor Boosters
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or dark rum (added at the end)

Instructions

1. Combine the fruit and citrus - In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, orange zest and juice, and lemon zest and juice. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes so the fruit begins releasing its juices.

2. Heat and break down the fruit - Place the pot over medium heat and begin warming the fruit. Lightly mash the berries using a potato masher, or give them 2–3 quick pulses with an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother jam. Don’t fully puree — you want a little texture.

3. Add sugar and spices - Once the mixture is warm and the fruit has begun to break down, add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger if using. Stir well and raise the heat slightly until all the sugar dissolves.

4. Simmer low and slow - Allow the jam to simmer on medium-low heat for 25–35 minutes, stirring regularly so it doesn’t scorch on the bottom. You’ll notice the cranberries pop and the mixture thicken into a deep red, glossy jam.

5. Check for doneness (the cold-plate test) - Place a plate in your freezer. When you think the jam might be ready, drop a small spoonful onto the cold plate.• If it thickens and wrinkles slightly when you push it, the jam is done.• If it’s still runny, simmer 5–7 more minutes and test again. Natural pectin thickens more as it cools, so don’t overcook it.

6. Finish the jam - Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in vanilla or liqueur if you’re using it — Grand Marnier adds such a gorgeous holiday flavor. Let the jam rest for 2 minutes so the fruit pieces settle evenly.

7. Jar the jam - Ladle the hot jam into sanitized jars, leaving ¼ inch at the top. Close with lids and either:• Refrigerate up to 4 weeks• Freeze up to 6 months• Or water-bath can for 10 minutes for pantry storage

© Leslie
A ceramic spoon rest with a green and white checkered pattern.

MACKENZIE-CHILDS Enamel Spoon Rest

Two wooden spoons with rounded handles and bowls, placed side by side on a white background.

Solid Acacia Wood Serving Spoons

A green saucepan with a matching lid and a silver metal handle is shown on a white background.

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Sauce Pan with Lid

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup, Set of 3

Three light green mixing bowls of different sizes are arranged on a white background, perfect for preparing your favorite recipes, from cake batter to pumpkin pie.

Jade Green Glass Bowls, Set of 3

Copper Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ways to Serve Berry Christmas Jam

Three glass jars filled with dark purple jam are stacked in a pyramid shape on an outdoor surface, with a blurred natural background.

This jam is highly versatile and works well in both sweet and savory dishes. Some of my favorites include:

• Spoon it over brie and bake for an easy appetizer
• Swirl it into yogurt on Christmas morning
• Spread it on warm sourdough or biscuits
• Add it to thumbprint cookies
• Use as a filling in sandwich cookies
• Brush it over pork tenderloin as a glaze
• Add a spoonful to sparkling water for a festive mocktail

It also makes the most amazing topping for ice cream or pancakes.

Six clear glass jars with orange rubber seals and metal clasp lids, arranged in two rows, each jar labeled "Le Parfait Super.

Le Parfait Super Jar – French Glass Canning Jars

Two ceramic baking dishes with lids, one grey and one white, each with a wooden spreading knife resting on top.

Creative Co-Op Brie Bakers with Lids & Wood Spreaders

Four elegant coupe glasses with different colored drinks and garnishes sit on a white surface next to a white flower arrangement against a light background.

Lysenn Coupe Glasses Set of 4

How to Package the Berry Christmas Jam for Gifts

Five jars of dark red jam are stacked on an outdoor table between two small artificial evergreen trees, with a garden visible in the background.

This is where the fun begins! A few simple additions turn your homemade jam into a beautiful gift.

Here are some easy ideas:

• Use 4 oz. or 8 oz. jars and tie a sage or ivory ribbon around the top
• Add a fresh rosemary sprig for a touch of greenery
• Attach one of the printable gift tags (download below)
• Add a small wooden spoon for an extra special touch
• Place the jar in a small cellophane bag with shredded kraft crinkle paper

A set of twelve glass jars with hinged lids, each filled with different foods or sauces, shown with black label stickers in the background.

4oz Small Airtight Glass Jars

A set of twelve clear, textured glass jars with silver lids, shown empty and filled with various snacks and desserts.

Mason Jars 8 Oz

A set of twelve glass jars with metal lids, filled with fruit slices, red preserves, and tomatoes, plus a dessert jar, twine, and labeling stickers shown.

Half Pint Regular Mouth Mason Jar with Lids and Seal Bands

A group of small, unfinished wooden spoons scattered on a white surface.

30 Pieces Small Wooden Spoons

A collection of artificial holiday floral picks featuring red berries, green leaves, pine needles, and holly, arranged in four rows on a white background.

Red Berry Picks 16 Pack

Three rolls of frayed chiffon ribbon in dark green, cream, and light green are arranged below a brown box labeled "Chiffon Ribbon.

Handmade Chiffon Silk Ribbon Fringe Green & Cream

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Two jars of berry jam with decorative holiday bows on the lids sit on a light surface, with a blurred green background. Text reads "Berry Christmas Jam.

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