Christmas jams bring a special touch to your holiday table. These sweet spreads capture the flavors of the season in jars.

You can make tasty jams with cranberries, plums, apples, and other festive fruits.

Homemade jams make great gifts or additions to your own holiday meals. You can spread them on toast, use them in baking, or pair them with cheeses.

The recipes are often simple to make with just a few ingredients. Try different jam recipes to find your favorites for the Christmas season.

1. Cranberry Orange Jam

Cranberry orange jam is a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. You can make this sweet and tangy spread easily at home.

To start, mix cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice in a saucepan. Add sugar to balance the tartness of the fruit.

Cook the mixture over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Stir occasionally as the jam thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Once cooled, spread this jam on toast or use it as a topping for desserts. It also makes a great gift for friends and family during Christmas.

2. Spiced Apple Jam

Spiced apple jam brings the cozy flavors of fall to your holiday table. This sweet and fragrant spread is perfect for your Christmas morning toast or as a festive gift.

To make spiced apple jam, you’ll need tart apples, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Peel and chop the apples, then cook them with sugar and spices until soft.

Mash the mixture for a chunky texture or blend it smooth. Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Cook until it reaches your desired thickness.

Store your spiced apple jam in sterilized jars. It will keep in the fridge for several weeks, ready to spread holiday cheer on biscuits, muffins, or even as a glaze for roasted meats.

3. Pineapple Mango Jam

This tropical jam brings a taste of summer to your Christmas table. You’ll need ripe mangoes, crushed pineapple, sugar, and lime juice.

Peel and chop the mango, then mash it to release the juices. Cook the mango for 5 minutes before adding the other ingredients.

Mix in the pineapple, sugar, and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often. Cook until it reaches the right consistency.

To test if it’s ready, put a small amount on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when you push it, your jam is done.

This bright, fruity jam makes a great gift or addition to your holiday breakfast spread.

4. Strawberry Rhubarb Christmas Jam

This festive jam combines sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb for a perfect holiday treat. You’ll need fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped rhubarb, sugar, and pectin.

Mix the fruits and sugar in a large pot. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then bring to a boil, stirring often to prevent burning.

Add pectin and continue boiling for one minute. Remove from heat and skim off any foam. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal.

This bright red jam makes a great homemade gift. Spread it on toast or use it to fill Christmas cookies for a festive touch.

5. Ginger Pear Jam

Ginger pear jam brings a festive twist to your holiday table. This sweet and spicy spread combines the mellow flavor of ripe pears with zesty ginger.

To make it, peel and dice pears, then mince fresh ginger. Cook the pears, sugar, ginger, and lemon juice in a pot over medium heat. Stir often as it simmers and thickens.

You can add ground cinnamon or candied ginger for extra flavor. The result is a tasty jam that balances the soft sweetness of pears with a warm ginger kick.

This jam works great on toast, scones, or as a topping for holiday desserts. It also makes a nice homemade gift for friends and family.

6. Plum Cardamom Jam

Plum Cardamom Jam brings a festive twist to your Christmas table. You’ll love the rich, sweet flavor of plums mixed with the warm, spicy notes of cardamom.

To make this jam, you’ll need ripe plums, sugar, lemon juice, and ground cardamom. Cook the ingredients in a pot until the plums break down and the mixture thickens.

Test if the jam is ready by putting a small amount on a cold plate. If it doesn’t run when you tilt the plate, it’s done. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars for a delicious holiday treat.

This jam tastes great on toast, scones, or as a filling for Christmas cookies. You can also use it as a glaze for roasted meats.

7. Fig and Port Jam

Fig and port jam is a festive treat that brings warmth to your holiday table. This rich spread combines the sweetness of figs with the depth of ruby port wine.

To make it, you’ll need fresh figs, sugar, lemon juice, and port wine. Cut the figs in half and mix them with the other ingredients in a saucepan.

Simmer the mixture gently, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the figs will soften and the jam will thicken. This process usually takes about 20-40 minutes.

For extra flavor, you can add a sprig of rosemary or a pinch of salt. Once done, let the jam cool before serving. It pairs wonderfully with cheese or as a glaze for meats.

8. Mulled Wine Jam

Mulled wine jam brings the cozy flavors of the holiday drink to your breakfast table. This festive preserve combines red wine with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

To make it, simmer wine and spices together before adding fruit and sugar. Many recipes use mixed berries or oranges to complement the wine.

You can spread this rich, fruity jam on toast or scones. It also works well as a glaze for meats or a topping for desserts.

Try gifting jars of mulled wine jam to friends and family. The deep red color and spiced aroma make it a perfect holiday treat.

9. Peppermint Chocolate Jam

Peppermint chocolate jam brings holiday cheer to your breakfast table. This festive spread combines rich chocolate with cool peppermint flavors.

To make it, melt dark chocolate and mix with sugar, cream, and peppermint extract. Cook until thickened, then add crushed candy canes for extra minty crunch.

Spread this jam on toast, waffles, or pancakes for a sweet Christmas morning treat. You can also use it as a filling for cookies or cupcakes.

Store your peppermint chocolate jam in jars and give as gifts. It’s sure to delight chocolate and mint lovers alike during the holiday season.

10. Cinnamon Raisin Jam

Cinnamon Raisin Jam brings the cozy flavors of your favorite breakfast bread to a spreadable treat. You’ll love this sweet and spicy jam on toast or mixed into yogurt.

To make it, simmer raisins with sugar, water, and a generous amount of cinnamon. The raisins will plump up and release their natural sweetness as they cook.

A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and helps the jam set. Mash some of the raisins for texture, leaving others whole. The result is a thick, fragrant jam that captures the essence of cinnamon raisin bread in every spoonful.

11. Clementine Marmalade

Clementine marmalade brings a burst of citrus cheer to your Christmas breakfast table. This bright, zesty spread is easy to make with just two main ingredients: clementines and sugar.

To create this festive treat, thinly slice the clementines and simmer them with sugar and water. The cooking process transforms the fruit into a soft, spreadable consistency.

For extra flavor, you can add spices like cinnamon or star anise. These warming notes complement the citrus beautifully.

Clementine marmalade makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Package it in small jars with pretty labels for a personal touch your friends and family will appreciate.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Picking quality ingredients is key for tasty Christmas jams. Fresh fruits and spices make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Selecting Seasonal Fruits

For Christmas jams, winter fruits work best. Cranberries add a tart kick and festive red color. Oranges bring brightness and zest. Frozen strawberries can stand in for fresh ones.

Look for firm cranberries without soft spots. Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size. They’ll have more juice. If using frozen strawberries, pick ones without added sugar.

Mix fruits for complex flavors. Try cranberry-orange or strawberry-cranberry combos. Peaches can add summer sweetness to winter jams.

The Role of Spices and Herbs

Spices and herbs give Christmas jams their cozy flavors. Cinnamon and cloves are classic choices. They add warmth and depth.

Vanilla pairs well with many fruits. Use whole beans or pure extract for best results. Ginger adds a spicy kick that works with cranberries or oranges.

Don’t forget herbs. Rosemary or thyme can add an unexpected twist. Use them sparingly so they don’t overpower the fruit.

Toast whole spices before using to boost their flavor. Grind them fresh for the most impact. Start with small amounts and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

Techniques for Perfect Consistency

Getting the right consistency is key for tasty Christmas jam. These tips will help you nail the texture and spreadability.

Mastering the Pectin Balance

Pectin is crucial for jam thickness. Use ripe fruit, which has less natural pectin. Add pectin powder or high-pectin fruits like apples or cranberries.

Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice per batch to boost pectin’s effect.

For low-sugar jams, try low-methoxyl pectin. It gels with less sugar. Follow the package instructions carefully.

Test your jam’s thickness with the frozen plate method. Put a small dollop on a cold plate and freeze for a minute. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.

Achieving Optimal Viscosity

Cook your jam at the right temperature for proper thickness.

Use a candy thermometer to reach 220°F (105°C) at sea level. This is the setting point for jam.

Stir often to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Skim off any foam that forms on top.

Don’t overcook your jam. It will become too thick and lose its bright flavor.

If it gets too thick, stir in a bit of water or fruit juice.

Let the jam cool slightly before jarring. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Fill jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace for proper sealing.