The aroma of cinnamon and cloves wafting through the house is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. It just doesn’t feel like Christmas without a batch of Crockpot Christmas Jam simmering away on the counter. Growing up, my grandma would make this every year without fail, and the sweet-tart cranberry flavor was the perfect accompaniment to our Christmas morning cinnamon rolls. I can still remember watching the ruby-red jam slowly thicken, the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves infusing it with that unmistakable holiday spice.
Now that I have a family of my own, carrying on this Crockpot Christmas Jam tradition is one of my most cherished holiday rituals. There’s just something so comforting about the process – 10 minutes of easy prep, 4 hours of hands-off simmering, and then a house that smells like Christmas in a jar. And the best part? This homemade jam makes the perfect edible gift, whether I’m bringing it to a cookie exchange or packing it up in cute jars for my neighbors. Once you try this Crockpot Christmas Jam, it’ll become a staple in your holiday rotation, I just know it.
Why This Crockpot Christmas Jam Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crockpot Christmas Jam
The key to this Crockpot Christmas Jam is letting the flavors meld and develop over time. By simmering the cranberries, sugar, orange, cinnamon, and cloves in the slow cooker for 4 hours, you end up with a jam that’s beautifully concentrated and balanced. The long, gentle cooking process allows the tartness of the cranberries to mellow and the warm spices to infuse every bite. Plus, the crockpot method couldn’t be easier – just throw everything in and let it do its thing! No standing over the stove stirring for hours.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries – These tart little berries are the star of the show, providing the signature bright, fruity flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – The perfect amount to balance the cranberries’ acidity and create that classic jam texture.
- 1 orange, zested and juiced – The orange adds a lovely citrusy note that complements the cranberries beautifully.
- 2 cinnamon sticks – These warm, aromatic sticks lend their signature holiday flavor.
- 4 whole cloves – Just a few of these fragrant little spices are all you need to fill the kitchen with that unmistakable Christmas aroma.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Christmas Jam Instructions
Preparing Your Crockpot Christmas Jam
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 4 hours, this Crockpot Christmas Jam couldn’t be easier. All you need is a slow cooker, a spoon for stirring, and a few simple ingredients. In just 250 minutes total, you’ll have a batch of homemade jam that’s perfect for gifts, holiday spreads, or enjoying all season long.
1- Start by rinsing the 12 ounces of fresh cranberries under cold water. Pick through them and discard any soft or bruised berries.
2- In your slow cooker, combine the cranberries, 1 cup of granulated sugar, the zest and juice of 1 orange, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 4 whole cloves. Stir everything together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
3- Cover the slow cooker and cook the jam on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the cranberries will start to break down and the mixture will thicken into a rich, jammy consistency.
4- After 4 hours, the Crockpot Christmas Jam should be a deep, glossy red color with a gorgeous, spreadable texture. The aroma of cinnamon and cloves will fill your kitchen.
5- Use a spoon to carefully remove the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves from the jam.
6- Ladle the hot Crockpot Christmas Jam into sterilized jars or an airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before serving or gifting. Enjoy the delicious, holiday-spiced jam on toast, biscuits, or even stirred into your morning oatmeal!
Pro Tips for Success
- For an extra smooth, velvety texture, you can use an immersion blender to briefly purée the jam before jarring it up. Just be careful not to overblend.
- If you want a thicker, more concentrated jam, simply let it cook for an extra 30-60 minutes on low. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. A little extra cinnamon or a few more cloves can really amp up the festive flavor.
- This jam also makes a fantastic edible gift. Spoon it into cute jars, add a ribbon and a tag, and you’ve got a homemade present that’s sure to impress.
- Don’t worry if you see some foam or bubbles on the surface as it cooks – that’s just the natural pectin in the cranberries doing its thing!
Serving and Storing Your Crockpot Christmas Jam
Perfect Pairings for Crockpot Christmas Jam
This Crockpot Christmas Jam is the perfect accompaniment to so many holiday treats. Spread it on freshly baked scones or biscuits for a cozy breakfast, or use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It also makes a delicious condiment for roasted meats like turkey or ham. And of course, it’s amazing on a cheese board or served with crackers for a festive appetizer. With 12 servings in a batch, you’ll have plenty to share.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about this Crockpot Christmas Jam is that it stores beautifully. Once the jam has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or sterilized jars and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months – just thaw in the fridge before using.
To reheat, simply place the jam in a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and spreadable again. You can even make a big batch ahead of time and keep it on hand all season long. This Crockpot Christmas Jam makes a wonderful homemade gift, so feel free to double or triple the recipe and jar it up for friends and neighbors.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crockpot Christmas Jam
Creative Crockpot Christmas Jam Variations
While the classic cranberry-orange-spice combo is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on Crockpot Christmas Jam. Try substituting fresh or frozen raspberries for half the cranberries for a bright, tart-sweet flavor. Or swap the orange for lemon, lime, or even grapefruit for a citrusy twist. You could also add a splash of brandy or port wine for a boozy variation. And if you want to get really creative, fold in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a hint of rosemary or thyme.
Making Crockpot Christmas Jam Diet-Friendly
For a lower-sugar version, you can use a sugar substitute like Splenda or monk fruit sweetener instead of the granulated sugar. The jam might have a slightly different texture, but it will still be delicious. To make it vegan, simply swap the regular sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup. And for a gluten-free Crockpot Christmas Jam, just be sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients. No matter your dietary needs, this festive jam can be easily adapted to fit your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great in this recipe. You may need to add a splash of water or juice to the slow cooker since frozen berries release less liquid than fresh.
Q: How long does it take to cook the Crockpot Christmas Jam?
A: The total time for this recipe is 250 minutes – that’s 10 minutes of prep and 240 minutes (4 hours) of cooking time on the low setting of your slow cooker.
Q: Can I store leftover Crockpot Christmas Jam?
A: Yes, the jam keeps very well. Transfer it to an airtight container or sterilized jars and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.
Q: How much Crockpot Christmas Jam does this recipe make?
A: This batch makes 12 servings of the delicious holiday jam. It’s the perfect amount for gifts, holiday spreads, and enjoying all season long.
Q: What if my jam doesn’t thicken up enough?
A: If the jam seems a bit loose after 4 hours of cooking, you can let it simmer for an additional 30-60 minutes on low. The longer cooking time will help it reach the perfect jammy consistency.
Crockpot Christmas Jam
- Total Time: 250
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of the season with this easy Crockpot Christmas Jam. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this ruby-red jam is the perfect homemade holiday treat for gifts, charcuterie boards, and more.
Ingredients
– 12 ounces fresh cranberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 orange, zested and juiced
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 4 whole cloves
Instructions
1. Add the cranberries, sugar, orange zest and juice, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves to a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have broken down and the jam has thickened.
3. Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Use an immersion blender or potato masher to mash the jam to your desired consistency.
4. Transfer the jam to sterilized jars or containers and let cool completely before refrigerating.
Notes
The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Serve on toast, crackers, or use as a spread on charcuterie boards.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Dips & Spreads
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Crockpot Christmas Jam is a holiday tradition that’s just too good not to share. With its festive flavors of cranberry, orange, and warm spices, this homemade jam is the perfect accompaniment to so many Christmas treats and dishes. And the best part? It couldn’t be easier to make – just 10 minutes of prep and 4 hours of hands-off simmering in the slow cooker.
Whether you’re making it to enjoy all season long or gifting jars to friends and family, this Crockpot Christmas Jam is sure to become a staple in your holiday rotation. The rich, jammy texture and irresistible aroma will fill your home with all the cozy, festive vibes. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and get ready to make some magical holiday memories. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear all about your Crockpot Christmas Jam experience!
