Christmas Morning Jam
Some recipes don’t just live in a kitchen — they live in memories.
They remind you of quiet mornings, familiar scents, and the comfort of traditions that feel bigger than the recipe itself. This jam is one of those recipes. From the very first batch, it carried the feeling of Christmas morning — slow, warm, and wrapped in nostalgia.
How This Jam Came to Be
This recipe actually found me through my mother. She came across it last year and immediately knew it was something special. Not long after, she sent over the instructions and asked if I would make it. As soon as I read through it, I could already imagine it simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with the scents of the holidays.
Of course, if you know me, you know I can never leave a recipe exactly as written. I love adding my own touch — something that makes it feel personal, intentional, and uniquely mine. That’s where this jam truly became our jam.
There is a small secret ingredient I include when I’m making this for gifting. It’s subtle, but it adds just a hint of something extra — a warmth that feels like the finishing touch. For this version, I’m choosing to leave it out. You can still make this jam exactly as written here, and it will taste just as wonderful, though it will be missing that quiet little extra note I save for my own jars.
Why It’s Called Christmas Morning Jam
When it came time to name this recipe, I shared a few ideas online and let everyone vote. Christmas Morning Jam was the clear winner — and honestly, nothing else felt quite right.
This jam tastes like Christmas.
Not in an overpowering way, but in the soft, comforting way that reminds you of cinnamon drifting through the house, nutmeg tucked into baked goods, and the gentle sweetness of something made with care. It’s festive, nostalgic, and deeply cozy — everything Christmas morning should be.
What Makes This Jam Different
This isn’t a traditional jam with chunks of fruit and a firm set. Instead, it has a texture much closer to apple butter — smooth, rich, and incredibly easy to spread. It glides beautifully over warm toast, biscuits, English muffins, or even a slice of fresh bread straight from the oven.
It’s indulgent without being heavy and comforting without being overly sweet. It’s the kind of jam you savor slowly.
Christmas Morning Jam Recipe
Ingredients
1.5 pounds unsweetened strawberries (fresh or frozen)
½ pound fresh cranberries
5 cups granulated sugar
2 pouches liquid fruit pectin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
Begin by pureeing the strawberries and cranberries until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan.
Measure the sugar and spices and add them to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, stir continuously for 1 minute, ensuring the mixture doesn’t stick.
Remove from heat and add the liquid fruit pectin. Stir well, then return the pan to the heat.
Bring the jam back to a boil and continue stirring for one additional minute.
Skim off any foam that forms on the surface and discard.
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Place sterilized lids on the jars and screw bands on until snug.
Lower the jars into a canning pot, ensuring water covers the jars by 1–2 inches. Cover and boil for 10 minutes.
Remove jars from the water bath and place them on a heat-proof surface.
Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for 10–12 hours to seal.
Once cooled, wipe, label, and store or gift as desired.
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A Jam Meant for Sharing
This is the kind of recipe that naturally becomes a gift. A jar tied with ribbon. A handwritten label. Something made slowly and intentionally during a season that invites us to do just that.
Whether you’re making this for your own family, for gifting, or simply to enjoy on a quiet winter morning, I hope it brings a little warmth into your home — and maybe even becomes part of your own holiday tradition.
Here’s to cozy kitchens, handwritten recipes, and Christmas mornings that linger just a little longer.