23 Christmas Canning Recipes

Katie Shaw Published: Updated:
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Canning? For Christmas? Yes! It’s a cozy activity that warms you up in the winter, and you’ll have lots of special homemade gifts.

Remember that the holidays can be hectic. Try to get started on these as early as you can.

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pear butter spread over English muffin on white plate with jars and cinnamon sticks in background.

homemade pear butter

This pear butter is smooth, rich, and has a cozy fall flavor. It’s slow-cooked with warm spices until perfectly thick and spreadable—amazing on toast, biscuits, or straight from the spoon!

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sealed jar of red and green jalapenos.

candied jalapeños

Just because they’re red and green! These bring the perfect blend of sweet and spicy to any dish. They feature fresh jalapeños simmered in a tangy syrup, creating addictive bites with a kick. Try them on burgers, tacos, or paired with cheese for a bold appetizer!

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jar of jelly with ribbon around it on christmas table.

spiced apple jelly

This recipe captures the essence of fall with its blend of sweet apples, cinnamon, and cloves. This jelly is smooth, fragrant, and deliciously spreadable, making it a perfect addition to toast, pastries, or a meat glaze. A must-have for cozy breakfasts and holiday gifting!

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applesauce in bowl with cinnamon sticks in front and an apple behind.

holiday apple sauce with cinnamon and nutmeg

This holiday applesauce is warm and cozy, made with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive twist. It’s perfect as a side dish, topping for pancakes, or even a sweet snack. Simple to make and packed with holiday flavor—it’s sure to be a family favorite!

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homemade pumpkin butter in jar with spoon and spread on toast with mini pumpkin behind.

christmas morning pumpkin butter

This pumpkin butter is smooth, spiced, and festive. Made with pumpkin, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, it’s perfect on toast, pancakes, or stirred into oatmeal. A cozy, seasonal spread that brings holiday cheer to every bite!

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shredded purple cabbage in mason jars.

german red cabbage

This recipe is a sweet, tangy side dish cooked in one pot on the stovetop. It’s a classic, flavorful recipe made with red cabbage, apples, onions, and a hint of vinegar. Perfect with hearty dishes like roast pork or sausages, it brings a vibrant color and cozy taste to any meal!

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open jar of sauce with orange and clove pieces around it and sealed jars in background..

homemade cranberry sauce

This homemade sauce is a tangy, sweet holiday classic made in one pot on the stovetop. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet with fresh cranberries, a hint of orange zest, and a touch of sugar. Serve it alongside turkey or spread it on leftover sandwiches for a festive flavor.

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two sealed jars of red jam, one taller than the other with twine around it.

sugarplum jam

This is a sweet, fruity spread with a hint of holiday spice made from ripe plums, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s a festive treat perfect on toast, stirred into yogurt, or even served with cheese. This jam brings a cozy, magical taste to your holiday breakfasts and snacks!

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bowl of squash soup with pumpkin in backkground.

winter squash soup in a jar

This soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of warmth made with roasted squash, a hint of garlic, and a touch of sage. This velvety soup is perfect for chilly days, bringing a cozy flavor that pairs well with crusty bread. It’s simple, nutritious, and perfect for a hearty winter meal!

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finished Christmas jam in pint mason jar.

christmas jam

Christmas Jam is a festive, fruity spread bursting with holiday flavors. It combines sweet strawberries and tart cranberries with a hint of cinnamon. Spread it on toast, serve with cheese, or gift it in a jar for a touch of Christmas cheer!

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jar of dark red cherry preserves with cherries in front and a poinsettia behind.

spiced cherry preserves

These rich and flavorful preserves combine sweet cherries with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. This recipe adds a festive touch to toast, pastries, or a holiday cheese board. A cozy, spiced treat that’s delicious all winter long!

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black and green olives garnished in herbs in a white bowl.

roasted garlic and herb-marinated olives

This recipe is a flavorful appetizer, combining briny olives with rich roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of citrus. They’re easy to make and perfect for grazing boards or holiday gatherings. Serve them warm or cold for a savory treat that will impress!

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open jar of brussels sprouts with red pepper flakes.

pickled brussels sprouts with red pepper flakes

This is a tangy, spicy treat that packs a punch. Crisp Brussels sprouts are infused with vinegar, garlic, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, making them perfect for snacking or adding to charcuterie boards. They’re a bold, flavorful addition to any meal or gathering!

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christmas tree pine needle jelly

This is a fun, seasonal spread with a light, fresh taste from real pine needles. It’s a unique way to bring winter flavors to toast or pair with cheese. Perfect for adding a little holiday spirit to your table!

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small open jar of jam wrapped in twine on red cloth with Christmas tree and lights in background.

mulled wine jam

This jam is a cozy, spiced spread that brings all the flavors of festive mulled wine into a jar. Made with rich red wine, warming spices, and a hint of citrus, it’s perfect on toast, pastries, or paired with cheese. This recipe adds a touch of holiday magic to any bite!

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creamy orange curd in open jar with oranges and plants in background.

orange curd

Orange curd is a smooth, creamy spread bursting with a bright citrus flavor. Made with fresh orange juice, zest, and just the right sweetness, it’s perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or topping yogurt. A simple, tasty way to enjoy a fresh orange twist!

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caramelized onions in open jar.

caramelized onion and thyme compote

This savory, sweet spread is made with slow-cooked onions and fresh thyme. It’s delicious on toast, burgers, or served alongside cheese for a flavorful boost. Perfect for adding a rich, cozy touch to any dish!

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cranberry sauce in open jars with cranberries in front and pine branches and lights behind.

pomegranate jelly

Pomegranate jelly is a bright, sweet spread made from fresh pomegranate juice. It’s perfect on toast, with crackers, or as a glaze for meats. This jelly is easy to make and adds fruity flavor to any snack or meal!

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Sealed mason jar of candied pineapple and jalapeños on a plaid towel with a spoon.

Cowgirl Candy

Pineapple and jalapeño might sound weird, ESPECIALLY a candied version in a jar. But this will be one of your absolute favorite things: serve it over crema cheese, dip crackers in it, use it as a pizza topping, and brush the liquid on chicken before grilling.

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A close-up of a jar filled with pear preserves, sealed with a metal lid, with pears and spices in the background.

Pear Preserves

Sweet and spiced with a beautiful deep amber color, this recipe is perfect for winter.

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half pint jars of apple butter stacked on wooden board.

Apple Butter

We love giving this as Christmas gifts because it’s such a crowd-pleaser… everyone loves and understands apple butter!

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Jars of hot pepper jelly on a wooden surface with crackers and fresh peppers around them.

Pepper Jelly

Red, green, and festive! I like to include a little card about how to serve it (poured ove crema cheese as a dip) so that they can serve it for New Year’s Eve.

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opened jar of cranberry sauce with cranberries and spoon on the side.

Cranberry Sauce

Beautiful, bright, tart, and only available in winter makes this one perfect for the holdays.

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Canning Tips

  • Choose Festive Flavors: Add holiday-inspired flavors to your canned goods, like cranberry, spiced apple, or pear with cinnamon and clove. These flavors make great gifts and will remind people of the season.
  • Presentation Matters: For Christmas gifts, make the jars extra special by adding simple touches like decorative labels, a ribbon, or a bit of greenery tucked into the bow. These little details make your canned goods feel like a thoughtful gift.
  • Experiment with Small Batches: Canning can feel like a big project, so starting with small batches lets you experiment with flavors and ingredients without committing to large quantities. It’s also easier to make sure quality control when you’re just trying out new recipes.
  • Store Smart: Remember to label your jars with the date and contents. Store them in a cool, dark place to preserve flavor and quality, especially for gift-giving. This helps make sure that recipients get the best taste experience.
  • Use it Up: Enjoy your canned goods within a year. Christmas canning can add a lovely variety to holiday spreads, from jams for breakfast to relishes for cheese boards.


I hope this list has given you some inspiration! Whether you’re looking for gifts, seasonal flavors, or a way to stock your pantry, there’s something here for everyone.

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Katie Shaw lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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5 Comments

  2. This recipes look wonderful…. I will definitely have to try some and thank you for sharing. However, number 1The Spiced Plum Sauce number 19 does not have the get the recipe link to click on. I would so love to make that. Thank you.

    Reply

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