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A delicious, sweet concoction of juicy oranges, lemon, fresh cranberries & sugar, this Easy Christmas Marmalade is fabulous on toast, English muffins, biscuits, yogurt, ice cream...
If you're a fan of bitter marmalade with big chunks of citrus zest and complicated or time-consuming (or both) instructions, you might want to click on over to a different recipe. But if you love a fresh, vibrant, marmalade studded with tiny slivers of vibrant orange zest and bits of tangy, fresh cranberries, this easy Christmas marmalade (takes 30-minutes, start to finish!) has your name (and mine) written all over it!
I'm so in love with the colors of winter produce. Oranges, lemons, cranberries, pomegranates, butternut squash, carrots... I do believe that God gave us vibrant, jewel-hued fruits and veggies at this time of year to give us a bit of cheer when the landscape outdoors is gray, bleak and often dreary.
This Christmas Marmalade is the essence of cheer in both taste and sight. It's vibrantly flavored with bits of juicy oranges, fresh-tasting citrus zest and tangy cranberries. It looks gorgeous in glass jars or in a pretty little bowl at the table.
Takes under 30 minutes, start to finish!
If you've never made jam before, this is a perfect place to start. It comes together quickly and is quite failproof. Oranges have a lot of their own natural pectin so this jam sets up quickly and consistently.
How do you make it? The most difficult part is probably zesting the oranges which isn't really difficult. I like to use a small zester like this one. The zest isn't too fine so that it disappears in the marmalade, but not so coarse that the texture has large chunks of zest. The zester is easy to work with and you can zest 3-4 oranges in right around 5 minutes.
After the oranges are zested, cut off the remaining peel and chop them in small bits. I just slice them in rounds, then slice the rounds in both directions. Set aside the zest and combine the oranges with chopped cranberries and sugar in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a full boil, time it for 30 seconds then remove from heat.
The last thing you'll need to do before transferring the marmalade to shiny clean jars is to add the pectin. Simply combine the pectin with water in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and time for 1 minute. Add the pectin mixture to the orange-cranberry mixture and stir, stir, stir. Scoop the beautiful jam into jars and stand back to admire your gorgeously-hued handiwork!
How to use this Christmas Marmalade
There are a zillion different ways to use this delicious orange-cranberry Christmas Marmalade. Here are just a few ideas:
- On toast. It's super delicious on this Easy No-Knead Brioche Bread (pictured below). It's also wonderful on English muffins, biscuits, bagels and dinner rolls.
- It makes a delicious and quite gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
- Use it as a topping for baked brie.
- Serve it with yogurt and granola.
- Make a fabulous grilled ham and cheese with a layer of this Easy Christmas Marmalade sandwiched between the layers.
- Serve it over ice cream.
- Use it as a glaze for chicken, shrimp, pork and salmon, delish!
- Top pancakes with it.
- Drizzle it over ice cream.
- Use it to get a perfect shine on your favorite sports car. (Just kidding!)
- Add it to a salad dressing.
- Serve it with cheese and crackers. I love to serve it in a small bowl combined with some fresh pomegranate arils on a cheese tray. So good!
I think you get the point. There are so many delicious ways to use this Christmas Marmalade!
Perfect for gift-giving!
This cheerful marmalade makes a wonderful gift at this time of year for neighbors, friends, co-workers, teachers, etc. It's great on its own or combine it with a loaf of home-baked bread. Or add some delicious crackers and a log of goat cheese (or a block of smoked cheddar, gouda or whatever your favorite cheese is). A package of homemade granola would also pair wonderfully with this Christmas Marmalade.
I love combining this pretty little label when gifting my Christmas Marmalade.
You can either attach it to the top, use a little twine or ribbon to tie it around the neck of the jar or, if using a taller jar, glue it to the side. I have a PDF of these labels so if you're interested, just leave a comment below the post and I'll email them to you.
One last little fun tip. I love to include a pretty spoon with my marmalade gift. I found these awesome little (super inexpensive) gold spoons on Amazon. They end up costing less than a dollar apiece, are made of stainless steel and are nice quality.
Café Tips for making this Easy Christmas Marmalade
- Look for heavy feeling oranges with a shiny peel. These will be juicier than lighter oranges with rough (usually thick peels).
- Don't boil the jam longer than 30 seconds as instructed in the directions. You want to keep the fresh flavor and vibrant color. Boiling it for 30 seconds helps dissolve the sugar.
- When zesting your oranges and lemon, it's important to get just the colored part of the skin. The white part underneath (called the pith) is bitter. You don't want that.
- As mentioned above, I use this zester to zest my oranges. The zest is not too fine, but not too coarse and it doesn't get any of the pith. If you can’t get one of the small zesters, use a vegetable peeler to remove just the colored zest. Then cut the peel into thin slivers.
- What's the best way to roughly chop cranberries? They're a bit of pain to chop, being round and prone to rolling all over and off the counter. I use my Vidalia chopper for this (and so many other things). I just put 8-10 cranberries on the grate, bring down the top and let it engage a bit with the berries, then give it good "whack". It not only chops them perfectly, but there's also a measuring guide on the side so you can stop when you have enough without having to transfer them to another container to measure.
- This jam is not processed with a hot water bath so it is NOT shelf-stable. Keep it in the refrigerator when not in use or it can be frozen for long term (4-6 months) storage. If you use this marmalade as a gift, be sure to tell the recipient(s) to store the jam in the refrigerator when not in use.
- Don't try to change the proportions of the ingredients and be sure to measure carefully. Making marmalade (and other jams and jellies) like this is an exact science and you can end up with problems with setting if you alter the ingredients.
- Feel free to leave a comment below if you would like me to send you a PDF for the label pictured above. I simply print them out of cardstock or good quality paper and cut out the labels. I use double-sided tape or tacky, quick-drying craft glue to attach the labels.
- I attach the spoons (pictured above) to the top of the jars with a piece of scotch tape then the label over the top of the spoon.
- I love this red and white check ribbon for decorating these jars. It's great quality, inexpensive and you get a ton of it on a roll (50 yards!).
- When making jam and jelly (or marmalade) it's wonderful to have a funnel to neatly transfer the jam or marmalade to the jars. I have this funnel and have used it for longer than I can remember. It goes right into the dishwasher.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear other’s results and ideas for variations.
A delicious, sweet concoction of juicy oranges, lemon, fresh cranberries & sugar, this Easy Christmas Marmalade is fabulous on toast, English muffins, biscuits, yogurt, ice cream...
- 4 medium-size navel oranges 3 if they're large
- 1 cup coarsely chopped cranberries
- 4 ¼ cups sugar
- ¾ cup water
- finely zested zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1.75 ounce box powdered fruit pectin I use SURE-JELL
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Wash clean glass jars and lids with hot water or run through the dishwasher. Dry thoroughly. (You'll end up with about 5 cups of jam, so the number of jars you'll need will depend on what size they are.)
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Remove colored zest (just the colored part, not the white pith) from the oranges and the lemon, using a small zester (I love this one). If you can’t get one of the small zesters, use a vegetable peeler to remove just the colored zest. Then cut the peel into thin slivers, or finely chop. Transfer the zest to a small bowl and set aside.
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Cut the remaining peel off of the oranges. Slice oranges then coarsely chop, reserving any juice. Transfer oranges and juice to a bowl.
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Add one cup of coarsely chopped cranberries to the oranges and stir to combine. Transfer exactly 2⅓ cups of the fruit mixture to a large pot. If you don’t have quite enough, add a bit of water or orange juice to make exactly 2⅓ cups. If you have extra, discard (or use for something else) any remaining fruit mixture.
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Add the sugar to the pot and stir until well mixed. Turn the heat to medium-high and stir frequently until the mixture comes to a full rolling boil (a boil that you can’t stir down). Set a timer for 30 seconds and boil, stirring continuously. After 30 seconds, remove from heat.
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Add ¾ cup water to a small saucepan. Sprinkle in pectin and stir until dissolved. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring continually.
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Add the hot pectin, lemon zest, orange zest and lemon juice to the fruit mixture and stir for 3 minutes. (Don't cheat on the 3 minutes.)
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Transfer marmalade to prepared containers immediately and fill to within ½ inch of tops. Wipe off top edges of containers and immediately cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature a few hours (if you can wait!). Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze extra containers up to 1 year. Thaw in the refrigerator before using it.
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Trish says
I can’t wait to try this along with your others. Please send the labels, I’m gifting for sure. Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
That will be awesome, Trish! The labels are on the way!
Sandy Spencer says
I love the color of the jam! Can't wait to try it. Waiting for fresh cranberries to arrive in our local stores.
I would like to have a copy of the label as I plan to make some for gifts.
Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
It won't be long before the cranberries start showing up. I'll send the labels now, Sandy! Enjoy!
Mary Wood says
Would love to have the labels to go with this great tasting recipe. Great Christmas gift for Church family.
Chris Scheuer says
It will be wonderful for that, Mary! The labels are on the way!
Carolyn King says
I love your recipe. Would you please send me your labels? They are so cute and perfect for gift giving. Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Carolyn! They are perfect for gifting. I'll send them now!
Michael B says
Please send label pdf
Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! The pdf is on the way. Enjoy!
Mary Ann says
Thanks for sharing .. jars check, spoons check, zester check .. if you can send labels I will be well on my way with Christmas gifts this year.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Mary Ann, sounds like you are well-prepared, well in advance! The labels are on the way!
Barb Bloomfield says
I would love to have the personallyf for the labels. This sounds so good. I give away jelly and jams all year long.
Barb Bloomfield says
That was auto correct for pdf. Lol
Chris Scheuer says
That's awesome, Barb, the labels have been sent! Enjoy!
Peppy says
Chris,
I have made so many of your recipes and I was so excited to see the Christmas Clementine Cranberry Marmalade. I would greatly appreciate it if you would share your beautiful labels with me. By the way, I made your microwave caramel sauce yesterday which was perfect. Thank you so much. Peppy
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome, Peppy! I'll be happy to send you the labels!
Cindy Eagles says
Hi. We really love the sound of your marmalade recipe. However, my question is... Does it need storing in the fridge as soon as its made, or once it has been opened? I want to make some to go in a hamper, however that wont be opened for a couple of days so the marmalade won't be refrigerated.
Many thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Cindy, this is a jam that would have to be refrigerated or frozen when not in use. You would have to put it through a hot water bath to make it shelf-stable.
Sandra Woods says
I love giving home made jams for gifts and would love to have your label to use for the orange cranberry jam. Thank you for sharing
Chris Scheuer says
It's a great gift to give and to get! I'll get the labels off to you now!
barbara laberge says
I, too would appreciate the pdf for the Christmas marmalade label.Your recipe sounds wonderful.I cannot wait to try it out.Thanks so much for sharing.
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy it, Barbara! The labels are on the way!
myla ferguson says
could you email me the label Please and thank you!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure and you're welcome, Myla! Enjoy!
Cathy says
Could I please have labels too? Thank you !
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, I'll send you the labels, Cathy!
Regarding the Certo and SureJell, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I recommend that people use the pectin that the recipe calls for because it's so sad to end up with sauce instead of jelly or jam.
Cynde says
This looks like it will be the perfect gift for neighbors this season! Please send me the label. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
This will be a wonderful seasonal gift, Cynde! Just sent you the labels. Enjoy!
Laurie Milton says
Hi,
Your recipe for Lemon Raspberry Marmalade and Orange Cranberry Christmas Marmalade sound amazing and can't wait to try them. Would like to use them for gifts, can you send me the labels for both. Thanks so much for sharing!
Chris Scheuer says
These will make great gifts! I'll send you the labels now, Laurie!
Eileen says
Would also love the pdf for the labels. Also the source for those cute jelly jars! They would be perfect for gift giving!
Thanks so much!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Eileen, I'll get the pdf off to you now. The jelly jars are made by Weck. You can get Weck jars on Amazon (I like these: https://amzn.to/2AIYy1i) but I've had difficulty finding the little round squat ones here in the U.S.I got mine years ago in England when our daughter lived there. However, just recently I was thrilled to them on this website for a reasonable price. The shipping is one rate, no matter how many you order. https://weckjars.com/product/902-deco-jar/
Lois Doyle says
Can Certo be substituted for the Sure-Jell in this recipe? Thank you for posting the Scripture verses with your recipes. Please send me the PDF for this recipe. Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Lois, Certo and Sure-Jell are not interchangeable. If you check out recipes for the same type of jam with the two pectins, the proportions are different so I've never substituted one for the other.
I'll send you the pdf now!
Cat says
I just made a jam that called for sure-jell and used Certo... It was my first time making jam and everything worked out just fine.
Barbee says
Please send me the PDF for your Orange Christmas Marmalade labels. I haven't tried it yet but I'm sure it is as wonderful as everything else I've tried off your website!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Barbee! I'll send the labels now!
Barbee says
P;ease send me the pdf for those beautiful labels. Thank you.
P.S. Your strawberry freezer jam is delicious!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! Sending them your way, Barbee!
Susan says
Hi, I saw this recipe and would like to try and make some this year for Christmas. My only problem is I have to ship it to numerous states- can I process this in a boiling water bath and thus “can” it?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Susan, yes you can "can" it. Other readers have reported good success with using a water bath.
Kathleen says
Although I haven’t tried this yet, I’ve added the recipe to my Christmas gifts to make for this year. Can you please send me the pdf ? Love your posts !
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Kathleen, send you the pdf now!
Jan Price says
Have not yet tried this recipe, but am sure it will be delicious. I have used many of your recipes- from cookies to rolls to salad to dressing to sauce to cake - all without fail.
Please share the label for the Christmas marmalade. Thank you for your inspiring recipes with wonderful notes.
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome, Jan! I'll send you the labels now.
rosemary says
hi could i please get some tags for the CHRISTMAS MARMALADE JAM PDF
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Rosemary, sending the pdf to you now! Enjoy!
Denise Capley says
Made this jam at Christmas for family and friends. Everyone loves it! I've been getting pictures of empty jars and sad faces 🙁 This will definetly be made again - soon. Thank you for the labels and great sources for the jars and ribbon. Made each jar look festive!
Chris Scheuer says
Haha! I think your family and friends have your number, Denise! I'm so happy they enjoyed it!
Kathleen says
Where can I purchase those lovely squat jam jars??
Kathleen
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Kathleen, I first purchased some of these jars in England. I love them and looked for more after we returned home. Amazon carries a nice selection of Weck jars but not the little squat ones (called mini deco jars). I really like these also: https://amzn.to/2SAQxBO
I did finally find one place in the U.S. that carries the rounded ones:
Karen says
Hi Chris
I can't wait to try the new jam recipes after having such success with the Meyer Lemon/Raspberry and Strawberry recipes. Please send a set of labels for each of the jams.
Thanks,
Karen
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Karen, so happy you had success with the jams. Will send you the labels now!
B0bbi Mcmillen says
This looks wonderful..Love making jams and jellies..Its long past Christmas, but Im making this in the next few days..Hey it will be a valentines marmalade.. LOL Is it too late to get the gift cards as well.. Ive so enjoyed so many of your recipes.. Thank you and have a Blessed week.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Bobbie, this would be a great Valentine marmalade! I will send you the gift labels!
Bobbi Mcmillen says
Made this and its my new favorite jam. It's wonderful with a really bright taste. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome, Bobbi!