Introduction: A Collection of Festive Jams for Your Christmas
The holiday season brings out our love for all things cozy, sweet, and steeped in tradition. There’s something timeless and heartwarming about giving homemade gifts, especially when they’re lovingly crafted in the kitchen. One of my favorite holiday gifts to give—and receive—is a jar of homemade jam. Each spoonful captures a bit of the season’s magic, transforming simple breakfasts or afternoon tea into special moments. From the warmth of mulled spices to the brightness of seasonal fruits, Christmas desserts add a special sparkle to holiday tables and gift baskets alike.
In this holiday roundup, I’ve gathered a delightful collection of festive jam recipes that capture the flavors and spirit of the season. Each recipe has its own personality, whether it’s the cozy comfort of a Creamy Eggnog Jam, the tangy burst of Homemade Cranberry and Pomegranate Jam, or the elegant, sweet-tart combination of Balsamic Strawberry Jam. No matter what flavors you love, there’s a Christmas jam here to inspire your own kitchen creations and holiday gifting.
Scroll down to discover these luscious, vibrant jams and jellies—complete with recipe links, beautiful images, and plenty of inspiration for bringing homemade charm to your holidays.
Apple Thyme Christmas Jam Recipe
This Apple Thyme Christmas jam recipe combines crisp apples with the subtle herbal notes of fresh thyme, creating a perfectly balanced holiday spread. It’s ideal for adding a unique, savory-sweet twist to cheese boards or sandwiches. With its delicate flavors, this apple thyme jam feels festive without overpowering. Perfect for gifting or enhancing holiday gatherings.
Balsamic Strawberry Christmas Jam Recipe
This Balsamic Strawberry Christmas jam recipe adds a bold, tangy layer to traditional strawberry preserves. Infused with rich balsamic vinegar, the jam’s depth pairs beautifully with soft cheeses and crusty breads. Sweet and slightly savory, it’s an elegant addition to any holiday table. Perfect for those who want a unique strawberry jam that complements festive meals.
➡️ Balsamic Strawberry Jam Recipe
Berry Medley Christmas Jam Recipe
Capture the essence of fresh-picked berries with this Berry Medley Christmas jam recipe, a blend of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Bursting with color and flavor, this jam brings a festive, fruity twist to holiday breakfasts. It’s as vibrant as it is versatile, perfect for waffles, pancakes, or scones. Give it as a thoughtful gift or serve it with brunch.
Bourbon Peach Jam Recipe
For a touch of warmth and Southern charm, try this Bourbon Peach Christmas jam recipe. Sweet, ripe peaches meet a hint of bourbon, making this jam deliciously rich and complex. Ideal for spreading over toast or pairing with a holiday cheese board, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Perfect as a homemade gift or for adding a cozy flair to Christmas mornings.
Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
This Caramel Apple Christmas jam recipe is a jar of pure holiday comfort, combining tender apple chunks with a luscious caramel glaze. It’s like a caramel apple in spreadable form, perfect for toast, pastries, or pancakes. The sweetness and richness make it ideal for festive gatherings. Share it as a heartfelt, homemade gift that captures the season’s coziness.
➡️ The magic of Caramel Apple Jam here
Cherry Amaretto Jam Recipe
For a taste of elegance, this Cherry Amaretto Jam infuses dark, juicy cherries with a hint of almond liqueur. The amaretto adds a nutty, aromatic note that takes this jam to the next level, making it perfect for pairing with buttery pastries or sharp cheeses. It’s a standout addition to any festive brunch or holiday gift basket.
➡️ Every spoonful of Cherry Amaretto Jam here
Homemade Cranberry Jam Recipe
This Homemade Cranberry Jam is a holiday classic, balancing the tartness of cranberries with a touch of sweetness. Vibrant and festive, it’s ideal as a spread for sandwiches, a glaze for meats, or a simple topping for scones. A jar of cranberry jam adds a bright pop of color and flavor to your holiday table.
➡️ Try the Homemade Cranberry Jam recipe here
Creamy Eggnog Christmas Jam Recipe
Creamy Eggnog Jam captures the essence of everyone’s favorite holiday drink in a spoonable form. With hints of vanilla, nutmeg, and a custard-like texture, this jam is like dessert in a jar. Spread it on toast, stir it into yogurt, or simply enjoy it by the spoonful for a sweet, nostalgic holiday treat.
➡️ Creamy Eggnog Jam recipe here
Fig and Walnut Christmas Jam Recipe
Fig and Walnut Jam is a luxurious, textured jam that combines sweet figs with crunchy walnuts. This jam has a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with soft cheeses and makes a stunning addition to charcuterie boards. It’s also an excellent homemade gift, perfect for anyone who loves gourmet treats.
➡️ Make your own Fig and Walnut Jam here
Mixed Berry and Vanilla Jam Recipe
This Mixed Berry and Vanilla Jam combines strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with a hint of vanilla for an extra layer of warmth and sweetness. Perfect for pancakes, toast, or even stirred into yogurt, this jam is a true crowd-pleaser that tastes like a berry-picking adventure in a jar.
➡️ Whip up this Mixed Berry and Vanilla Jam here
Mulled Wine Jelly Recipe
Mulled Wine Jelly is an elegant and festive spread, capturing the essence of spiced wine with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. This jelly is perfect for serving on holiday platters with crackers and cheese, or as a unique gift for the wine lovers in your life.
➡️ Make your own Mulled Wine Jelly here
Homemade Orange Jam Recipe
Homemade Orange Jam is bursting with bright, citrusy flavors, bringing sunshine to your winter mornings. With a touch of zest and a hint of sweetness, it’s a refreshing jam that pairs beautifully with scones, muffins, or even swirled into oatmeal.
➡️ Homemade Orange Jam recipe here
Homemade Pumpkin Jam Recipe
This Homemade Pumpkin Jam brings the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spices into a delicious, spreadable treat. Perfect for the fall and winter months, it’s like pumpkin pie in a jar! Spread it over toast, mix it into yogurt, or use it as a filling for pastries.
➡️ Homemade Pumpkin Jam recipe here
Homemade Raspberry Jam Recipe
A classic favorite, this Homemade Raspberry Jam is bright, tart, and perfectly sweetened, capturing the essence of fresh raspberries. It’s a versatile jam that’s delicious on everything from toast to desserts, and it’s ideal for anyone who loves traditional fruit preserves.
➡️ Homemade Raspberry Jam recipe here
Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe
Spiced Christmas Jam is a holiday favorite, blending seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a mix of berries. This jam is perfect for spreading on warm bread, dolloping onto pastries, or giving as a gift. It’s Christmas in a jar, ready to make your holiday mornings extra special.
➡️ Try the festive Spiced Christmas Jam here
Serving Information
Each of these festive jams is designed to bring unique flavors to your holiday table and is perfect for gifting. Here’s a quick guide to the essential details for each recipe:
- Serving Size: Most recipes yield approximately 4-6 small jars, ideal for gifting.
- Prep Time: About 15-30 minutes, depending on the recipe.
- Cook Time: Ranges from 20 to 45 minutes as the fruits and flavors meld together.
- Calories: Approximately 30-60 calories per tablespoon, depending on the ingredients.
Bonus Tips for Making the Perfect Jam
- Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Fresh fruits and quality spices make a noticeable difference in flavor. If possible, choose organic ingredients for the best taste.
- Balance Sugar Carefully: Jams need sugar for both sweetness and preservation. Adjust according to taste, but remember that reducing sugar too much can affect the texture.
- Sterilize Jars Properly: To ensure a safe and long-lasting product, always sterilize your jars before filling them.
- Add Acid for Balance: Lemon juice or vinegar brightens up the flavors and helps the jam set. This is especially helpful in recipes that include low-pectin fruits.
- Experiment with Pairings: Some jams, like Balsamic Strawberry or Bourbon Peach, really shine when paired with cheeses or incorporated into savory dishes.
Creative Serving Suggestions
- Cheese Boards: These jams add color and flavor to any cheese board. Try Apple Thyme Jam with aged cheddar or Balsamic Strawberry Jam with brie.
- Holiday Breakfast Spread: Spoon Berry Medley Jam over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a festive start to the day.
- Cocktail Mix-Ins: Add a spoonful of Bourbon Peach Jam to a glass of champagne or sparkling water for a unique cocktail twist.
- Yogurt or Ice Cream Topping: Dress up plain yogurt or vanilla ice cream with a dollop of Mulled Wine Jelly or Creamy Eggnog Jam.
- Gift Baskets: Small jars of assorted jams make beautiful, heartfelt gifts. Pair with homemade bread, crackers, or a cheese selection for a memorable holiday basket.
Now It’s Your Turn in the Kitchen
Planning a surprise to a loved one with homemade gifts or adding a special touch to your holiday meals, these Christmas jam recipes offer something for every taste. From the cozy flavors of spices and herbs to the richness of fruit and wine, each jar holds a little bit of seasonal magic. Try one, or try them all, and let these jams make your holiday celebrations a little sweeter.
Love this collection? Don’t forget to save it for later, and let us know in the comments which flavors you’re most excited to try. Share your creations with us on social media—we can’t wait to see how you enjoy these festive treats!
