Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Elevate your holiday gatherings with this delightful Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam. Bursting with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, this homemade jam makes an irresistible spread for your festive breakfasts and dessert tables. Pair it with savory cheeses or use it as a delicious topping for your favorite pastries.

Naomi Clarke

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2025-11-17T06:23:04.988Z

This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam has been a beloved recipe in our family for generations. The tartness of the cranberries is perfectly balanced with sugar, making it a festive addition to any table.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and tartness, making it an ideal accompaniment for a variety of dishes. The cranberries provide a refreshing tang, while the sugar balances it out, creating a beautiful flavor profile. This jam is not just a treat; it's a delightful experience, as each spoonful bursts with the essence of the holiday season.

Enhancing the flavor, a hint of cinnamon adds warmth, evoking the festive spirit. This spice transforms your typical jam into something extraordinary, perfect for spreading over warm biscuits or serving alongside a cheese platter during holiday gatherings. The depth of flavors will have your guests returning for more!

Versatile Uses for Your Jam

This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam isn't limited to just breakfast spreads. Its unique taste pairs beautifully with savory dishes, making it an excellent addition to cheese boards. Try it with creamy brie or sharp cheddar; the contrast of flavors will elevate your appetizer game to new heights.

Additionally, this jam shines as a topping for desserts. Whether you’re adorning a cheesecake or drizzling it over a warm pie, the vibrant red of the jam adds both color and flavor. It serves as a festive finishing touch, bringing any holiday dessert to life with its luscious texture and tart zing.

Gift-Worthy and Homemade

Homemade gifts are always appreciated, and this Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is no exception. Prepare a batch and jar it up with a festive ribbon for a heartfelt present. Friends and family will love the personal touch, and there's something incredibly special about receiving a homemade treat straight from the kitchen.

Packaging your jam creatively can add even more charm. Consider using decorative jars or adding labels with serving suggestions. Personalize your gifts further by including a small note with your favorite pairing ideas, ensuring the recipients make the most of this delightful jam.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Now, let's get started on making your jam!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your jam:

Prepare the Cranberries

Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries.

Cook the Mixture

In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 30 minutes.

Cool and Store

Remove the jam from heat and let it cool. Transfer to jars and refrigerate.

Enjoy your homemade cranberry jam on toast, with cheese, or as a pastry filling!

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam fresh, store it in airtight jars in the refrigerator. It typically lasts for up to a month when properly sealed. If you want to extend its shelf life further, consider freezing it in freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to leave some space for the jam to expand as it freezes.

When you’re ready to use frozen jam, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This jam’s flavor remains vibrant, making it ready to elevate your dishes, even after months in the freezer.

Pairing Suggestions

Beyond cheeses and desserts, this cranberry jam pairs beautifully with various breakfast items. Spread it on warm toast or croissants for a delightful morning treat. It also complements yogurt or oatmeal, adding an extra layer of flavor that transforms everyday meals into something special.

For those hosting brunches or holiday gatherings, consider serving this jam alongside pancakes or waffles. The combination of fresh, tart cranberry flavor with maple syrup enhances the breakfast experience, impressing your guests and adding a festive touch.

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Questions About Recipes

→ How long can I store this jam?

The jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well for this recipe!

Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam

Elevate your holiday gatherings with this delightful Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam. Bursting with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, this homemade jam makes an irresistible spread for your festive breakfasts and dessert tables. Pair it with savory cheeses or use it as a delicious topping for your favorite pastries.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Naomi Clarke

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 2 cups

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups fresh cranberries
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup water
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  5. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries.

Step 02

In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 30 minutes.

Step 03

Remove the jam from heat and let it cool. Transfer to jars and refrigerate.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Sugars: 12g