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–+ servings
a clear jar of cranberry jam with a spoon sticking out the top.
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4.93 from 26 votes

Small Batch Cranberry Jam

This homemade cranberry jam comes together in under 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Sweet and tart, it’s perfect for spreading on toast or biscuits, adding to a cheese board, or spooning over creamy desserts.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Cool10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword: cranberries, cranberry, cranberry jam, jam
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 4 tablespoons orange juice
  • ¼ teaspoon orange zest
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Place all of the ingredients in a 1-quart saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  • Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the cranberries are tender and begin to pop open, about 8 to 10 minutes. As it cooks, the mixture will naturally thicken into a jam-like consistency.
  • Remove from heat and cool before transferring to a jar or bowl.
  • Enjoy when cool.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Cranberries: For the best flavor and nutrients, go with fresh or frozen high-quality cranberries.
  • Stir Often: Stir frequently while cooking to keep the jam from sticking to the pan or burning, which helps achieve a smooth texture.
  • Adjust Sugar to Taste: Sweetness is personal! Taste as you cook and add more sugar if needed to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
  • Cool Before Storing: Let the jam cool to room temperature before transferring it to a jar. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Zest Carefully: When zesting the orange, avoid the white pith under the skin—it can add unwanted bitterness.
  • Store Properly: Keep the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
  • Easy to Scale Up: If you’re making extra for gifts or a gathering, simply double or triple the ingredients—it scales up perfectly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

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