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Spiced Jam Delight

Featured in Sweet treats that make you happy.

Bursting with holiday flavors, this cranberry spiced jam is sweet yet zesty. The fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon come together to create a tangy spread with a warm, balanced taste. It's versatile—spread it on toast, pancakes, or serve it with crackers and cheese for an easy festive touch.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:36:09 GMT
A jar of cranberry jam with pine cones and holiday greenery nearby. Pin it
A jar of cranberry jam with pine cones and holiday greenery nearby. | tastyhush.com

Whip up this Cozy Christmas Jam for the holidays and taste how tart cranberries come alive with cozy cinnamon and nutmeg. Slather it on crusty bread or stack it with cheese and crackers—it instantly brings some holiday sparkle to your snacks. With zingy orange juice and peel, it's super fresh and full of flavor. You'll be surprised how simple it is to put together, and it makes a sweet homemade gift too. Chances are, you'll end up making it every December.

INGREDIENTS

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A tiny pinch gives the jam a richer, deeper taste alongside the other spices.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: This cozy spice brings that holiday feeling and makes every bite a little warmer.
  • Zest from one orange: Use the peel for a zesty kick and a boost of citrus aroma.
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice: Squeeze it fresh—it wakes up the cranberries and blends perfectly with the spices.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar: Balances all those tangy cranberries for a sweet, jammy finish.
  • 12 ounces cranberries (about 4 cups): The main ingredient—tangy, bold, and just right for this holiday spread.

VARIATIONS

  • Citrus Kick: Add more orange zest or a squeeze of lemon if you like it extra peppy.
  • Sweet and Savory: Slather over roasted turkey or glazed ham for a chopped-up, sweet-and-spicy twist on dinner.
  • Mixed Berry Twist: Toss in some raspberries or strawberries and layer up the berry tones.
  • Extra Spices: Sprinkle in clove or ginger to deepen the flavor for those who love extra warmth.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 5:
Spoon your jam into a cleaned mason jar, let it sit till it's just cool, close it up, and stash in the fridge for a month or in the freezer for three. Easy!
Step 4:
Off the heat now, mix in orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir till everything's combined and smells great.
Step 3:
Turn the burner down and simmer for around 10 minutes. Cranberries will burst and turn thick and jammy—stir when you remember.
Step 2:
Drop your cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a pot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is gone and the mix starts to bubble up.
Step 1:
Give the cranberries a good rinse and ditch any bad-looking ones. Set the rest aside for now.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Spread this Cozy Christmas Jam over hot toast, buttery scones, or pancakes at breakfast. It pairs just as well with crackers and cheese for a quick festive snack.
  • Keep your jam sealed up in the fridge for up to a month, or freeze it if you want to make batches ahead for later.
  • Handing out as gifts? Dress up jars with a cute label and a ribbon for an extra sweet touch.

Tips from top chefs

  • Chef Martha Stewart: If you want the jam to last or give it away, sterilize your jars first—super easy and keeps everything fresh.
  • Chef Jamie Oliver: Like a smoother spread? Zip your cooked jam in a blender real quick to break down the fruit.
  • Chef Ina Garten: Always grate your citrus right before adding—it brings out a ton of fresh flavor you can't beat.

Spiced Jam Delight

Sweet and festive jam made with tart cranberries, zesty orange zest, and cozy spices. It's amazing for toast, gift hampers, or even with cheese boards during the holidays.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 jar

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 cups (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries.
02 ½ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
03 Zest of one whole orange.
04 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ground.
05 ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, ground.
06 ¾ cup sugar, granulated.

Instructions

Step 01

Give the cranberries a wash and check them over. Toss out any squishy or bad ones, and set the rest aside.

Step 02

Toss the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice into a medium-sized pan. Set it over medium heat.

Step 03

Keep whisking until the sugar is fully melted and small bubbles start forming.

Step 04

Turn the heat down low, and simmer the mixture for around 10 minutes. Stir now and then. The cranberries will pop, and the mix will thicken like jam.

Step 05

Once off the heat, mix in the orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 06

Spoon the jam into a clean mason jar (pint size). Let it cool down before sealing it up to store.

Step 07

Pop the closed jar into the fridge for up to a month, or freeze it for up to three months.

Notes

  1. This sweet and spiced cranberry spread is a treat for holiday mornings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
  2. It goes great on toast, pancakes, or even baked desserts. Pair it with cheese and crackers for a festive snack!
  3. Refrigerate for a month or freeze for three months to enjoy later.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 30
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: ~