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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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Lana Gee says
I can't wait to make this marmalade! Thank you for sharing the recipe. Do you mind sending the link for the labels?
Thanks so much!
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome, Lana! We'll send the labels now.
Mary Ann says
Just wanted to share .. I made your marmalade and water bathed it to share with my friends . I kept one for myself and it’s absolutely delicious .. taste so fresh and crisp. I am learning to quilt so the girls are all getting Christmas table toppers with their jam and spoons tucked inside. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe and links .. I love the zester you recommended .. it made zesting the oranges and lemon so easy.
Rosaria Picillo says
would love a PDF planning on giving this as gifts!! THANKS !!!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Youre welcome, just sent it, Rosaria!
Kristine Zoll says
This looks amazing! I will be making this as soon as I get back from the grocery store!
Chris Scheuer says
Enjoy!
Kim says
Please send the pdf for the cranberry marmalade. I am excited to try the recipe and give as gifts to my friends.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, sending the pdf now, Kim! This will make great gifts.
Margaret says
This jam sounds and looks delicious! Can’t wait to make and share.
Please share your label design.
Thank You
Chris Scheuer says
They're on the way, hope you enjoy the jam, Margaret!
Barbara Jean says
Looks delicious...please send me label info. Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Barbara! Sending you them now!
Holly says
Planning to make this for neighbors and in-laws baskets!
So glad I was directed to this site! Merry Christmas!
Please send labels!
Thanks,
Holly
Chris Scheuer says
Hope everyone enjoys it, Holly! Sending the labels now!
Vernet says
This looks delicious! Would you please share a PDF of the tag? Thanks and have a wonderful holiday!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, sending the pdf now, Vernet! Happy holidays to you!
Joanne webster says
I've been a follow of you for years now. Thank you for being so gracious in sharing your lovely recipes. And yes I would love the PDF label you have used her. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Joanne! We're happy to share these labels with you!
Joey Bigley says
Please email pdfs of labels. I would like to make these as co-worker Christmas gifts. (For some reason, my prior request was deleted).
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, just sent them, Joey!
Joey Bigley says
I would appreciate a pdf of the labels. Planning on making these as co-worker gifts!
Tricia says
Chris, I just made the marmalade and had it on bread my husband made this morning. You’re right, I could not wait a couple of hours! It is delicious. I just ordered the spoons and all they need now are the labels. I would love to have them. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Chris Scheuer says
Lucky you, to have a husband who bakes bread! I'm so happy you enjoyed this marmalade. Just sent the labels, enjoy!
Jane says
This marmalade is so tasty!! Made some for gifts too and now I just need the labels.
Thank you!
JS
Carol Manning says
Will liquid pectin from Surejell work?
nadine says
What size jars did you use? And how many did they fill?
Do you have a source for the jars?
Thank you
Nadine
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Nadine, the jars I use are Weck jars and they hold 6 ounces of jam. The taller ones you can find on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IgaSKg
The rounded ones are also Weck but I found those in England when my daughter lived there.
nadine says
I love the idea of giving this jam to my neighbors for the holidays!
Please send the labels.
**The spoons are adorable!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Nadine! This will make great gifts for your neighbors. The labels should be in your email.
Carol Manning says
I would like to make these as gifts this year. I've purchased my jars and am ready to give it a whirl. Would appreciate the labels, please. Thanks.
Carol Ciadella says
I love your blog and have made so many of your recipes! I can't wait to try this marmalade for gifts. Please send me the labels!
Thank you so much!
Carol
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Carol. I appreciate your kind and encouraging comment. Sending the labels now.
Sophia says
This made a perfect gift last year, but I want to make it shelf stable. Do you have instructions for a water bath?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Sophia, I have never personally done the waterbath with this recipe so I would have to do more testing to be able to tell you the exact steps. Other readers have reported good success in canning it.
Alana L Copple says
Hi! I've enjoyed many of your yummy recipes and will try your Christmas marmalade next! Could I have a copy of your labels? Thanks! BTW, I LOVE your Rosemary Flatbread Crackers....
Chris Scheuer says
So happy you've enjoyed our recipes, Alana! We'll be happy to send the labels. Enjoy!
Kay says
Hi Chris,
Planning on making for Christmas gifts. I know it will be fabulous, just like all your recipes. Ordered the spoons and would love to have PDF for labels.
Holiday cheer!
Kay
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Kay, for your kind words. The labels should be in your email!
Ellen says
I made this wonderful Christmas marmalade last year and want to make it again this year as gifts.
I would love to have your labels for the jam jars.
Thank you so much! All of your recipes are excellent and I have made many of them.
Chris Scheuer says
So hapy you enjoyed it, Ellen! Just sent the labels. Thanks for your kind words.
Dianne Anderson says
Have cranberries left from turkey day so want to make this for gifts for the holiday. I would love to use the card label to attach to the jars and appreciate having the PDF. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Great idea, Dianne! Just sent the labels!
Leenie says
I am so anxious and excited to try this recipe. I plan to make it for xmas gifts which will include fresh home made artisan rustic rolls. Thank you for sharing. Would you please share enough labels for 10 jars?
Happy Holidays,
Leenie
Chris Scheuer says
That sounds wonderful, Leenie! The labels should be in your inbox. You can print as many as you'd like!