I can’t even begin to describe the joy that comes from making Spiced Christmas Strawberry Jam — the aroma alone fills your kitchen with pure holiday magic! This festive jam is a delightful twist on the classic strawberry preserve, infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Every spoonful of Spiced Christmas Strawberry Jam tastes like the holidays — cozy, comforting, and perfectly sweet with a touch of spice.

Before we get into the recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more festive favorites! You’ll get exclusive seasonal recipes, baking ideas, and homemade gift inspiration straight to your inbox.

Overview of the Recipe

This Spiced Christmas Strawberry Jam combines the brightness of ripe strawberries with traditional Christmas spices, creating a jam that’s not only delicious on toast but also perfect for gifting. The flavor is reminiscent of mulled wine — rich, aromatic, and warmly spiced — making it a beautiful addition to your holiday breakfast table or cheese board.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Festive and flavorful — classic strawberry jam with a Christmas twist!
Perfect for gifting — beautiful in jars with a holiday ribbon.
No pectin needed — natural fruit pectin does the work.
Customizable spice blend to suit your taste.
Makes your kitchen smell like the holidays!

What Does Spiced Christmas Strawberry Jam Taste Like?

It’s everything you love about homemade strawberry jam — sweet, fruity, and vibrant — but with an elegant warmth from cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The spices enhance the strawberries’ natural flavor and add that cozy, Christmassy depth that makes this jam irresistible on toast, pastries, or even over warm brie.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

Homemade and preservative-free.
Perfect for make-ahead gifts.
Versatile — serve with breakfast, cheese, or desserts.
Stores beautifully for months.

Ingredients for Spiced Christmas Strawberry Jam

2 lbs (900g) fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh preferred)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
1 cinnamon stick (optional, for deeper flavor)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

A splash of balsamic vinegar for richness.
1 tablespoon orange zest for a citrusy note.
A few whole cranberries for extra tartness and color.

Necessary Tools for Preparation

Large heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon
Potato masher or hand blender
Sterilized glass jars with lids
Funnel and ladle

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Sugar: Adjust to taste — less for tart jam, more for sweetness.
Spices: Add cardamom for an exotic twist or omit cloves for a milder flavor.
Fruits: Mix in raspberries or cranberries for a festive red hue.
Sweetener alternative: You can use honey or coconut sugar, but the texture may be slightly thinner.

How to Make Spiced Christmas Strawberry Jam

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

If using fresh strawberries, rinse, hull, and halve them. If frozen, thaw completely before using.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large pot, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. If using a cinnamon stick, add it now. Stir well and let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes to allow the fruit to release its juices.

Step 3: Cook the Jam

Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens and darkens in color.

Step 4: Test the Consistency

To test if your jam is ready, place a small plate in the freezer for 5 minutes. Drop a spoonful of jam onto the cold plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s done! If it’s still runny, cook for a few more minutes and test again.

Step 5: Add Vanilla and Finish

Once the jam has reached your desired consistency, remove the cinnamon stick (if used) and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Jar the Jam

Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of space at the top. Seal tightly and let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 7: Store or Gift

Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for longer storage (up to 1 year). Decorate with a festive ribbon and tag for beautiful homemade gifts!

What to Serve with Spiced Christmas Strawberry Jam

Warm buttered toast or croissants.
On cheese boards — pairs beautifully with brie, goat cheese, or aged cheddar.
Swirled into oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes.
As a glaze for ham, turkey, or roasted vegetables.
In baked goods like thumbprint cookies or jam-filled tarts.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Jam

Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural pectin.
Don’t overcook. Overcooked jam can become too thick and sticky.
Stir often to prevent burning at the bottom of the pot.
Sterilize jars by boiling them for 10 minutes before filling.
Label your jars with the date — they make the cutest edible gifts!

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Keeps up to 3 weeks.
Freezer: Store in freezer-safe jars for up to 6 months.
Canning method: If processed properly in a water bath, it will last up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.

General Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: About 4 small (8 oz) jars

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw them first and include any juices released for extra flavor.

Do I need pectin?
No, strawberries and lemon juice naturally provide enough pectin to help the jam set.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but less sugar means a shorter shelf life and slightly looser texture.

How do I make this jam spicier?
Add a pinch of ground ginger or a dash of black pepper for extra warmth.

Can I make it alcohol-infused?
Absolutely! Stir in a tablespoon of spiced rum or Grand Marnier after removing from heat.

Conclusion

This Spiced Christmas Strawberry Jam is holiday cheer in a jar — bright, flavorful, and warmly spiced. It’s a delicious way to preserve the sweetness of strawberries while adding a festive twist that makes every bite special. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, gifting it to loved ones, or using it in your favorite holiday desserts, this jam will become a cherished seasonal tradition.