- 12 oz (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 6 oz (170g) fresh or frozen raspberries (or red currants for extra tartness)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- Zest and juice of 1 orange (about ¼ cup juice)
- 1 cinnamon stick (or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon)
- Optional: 1 tbsp Grand Marnier or bourbon for depth
🍊 Pro tip: The orange zest is non-negotiable—it adds a bright, aromatic lift that makes this jam truly special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Simmer the Fruit
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, raspberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon stick.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.
2. Cook to Jammy Perfection
Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
- Cranberries have burst
- Mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon
- It gels slightly when cooled on a plate
💡 Don’t rush it—low and slow prevents burning and deepens flavor.
3. Finish & Jar
Remove cinnamon stick. Stir in Grand Marnier (if using).
For smoother jam: lightly mash with a potato masher.
For chunkier jam: leave as-is!
Ladle hot jam into clean glass jars. Let cool to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate.
🎁 For gifting: Pour into 4-oz jars, wipe rims clean, and seal with festive lids or fabric covers.
Tips for Jam Success
- Use frozen berries—they’re picked at peak ripeness and work perfectly!
- Adjust sweetness: Tart berries? Add 1–2 tbsp more sugar. Too sweet? Add a splash of lemon juice.
- No pectin needed: Cranberries are naturally high in pectin—they’ll set beautifully on their own.
- Makes about 3 cups—enough for 6–8 small gift jars!
- Store: Keeps 3 weeks in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Delicious Ways to Use Christmas Red Jam
- Classic: On buttered toast or scones with clotted cream
- Holiday breakfast: Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal
- Cheese board star: Paired with brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar
- Dessert upgrade: Swirled into cheesecake, thumbprint cookies, or ice cream
- Savory twist: Glaze roasted pork or chicken in the last 10 minutes of cooking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I can this for shelf-stable storage?
A: Yes! Process in a water bath for 10 minutes in sterilized jars. But for small batches, fridge/freezer storage is easier and safer.
Q: Can I use all cranberries or all raspberries?
A: Yes—but the blend gives the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Cranberries alone will be very tart; raspberries alone won’t set as firmly.
Q: Why isn’t my jam thickening?
A: Likely not cooked long enough. Simmer until it passes the “wrinkle test”: place a spoonful on a cold plate—if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s set!
Q: Can I make it sugar-free?
A: Not really—sugar is essential for texture and preservation. For lower sugar, try Pomona’s pectin with honey or monk fruit (but this recipe relies on natural pectin + sugar).
Final Thoughts: A Jar Full of Joy
Christmas Red Jam isn’t just a spread—it’s a taste of tradition, generosity, and holiday warmth. With its deep ruby color and bright, spiced flavor, it’s the kind of gift that says, “I made this just for you,” without saying a word.
So simmer that fruit, stir with intention, and fill your kitchen with the scent of the season. One spoonful, and you’ll feel the magic of Christmas in every bite.
Made this and felt that wave of holiday joy? I’d love to hear how you served it—on shortbread? In a cheese board? Share your jam triumph in the comments below—or tag me on social. And if you know someone who needs a little handmade cheer, send them this recipe. You’ll be their new favorite person! 🎄✨🍓
