Two glass jars of homemade cranberry chia jam sitting on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by cedar branches, a clementine, and soft glowing candles. A cozy, holiday-inspired setup that highlights the rich red color and texture of the jam.

The coziest homemade jam to ease into the holidays.

The first signs of the holiday season always sneak up on me. That crisp air, the twinkle lights popping up around the neighborhood, and the scent of pine and fir after a November rain. This year, I wanted to capture that feeling in a jar, and this Cranberry Chia Seed Jam does exactly that.

It’s bright, tart, and just sweet enough. The kind of jam you want to spread on everything from morning toast to overnight oats to warm, fluffy pancakes. And the best part? It’s so easy to make at home. No pectin, no fancy tools, just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes on the stove.

Why I Love This Cranberry Chia Seed Jam

Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making this a beautiful way to support your immune system during colder months. But the real magic here comes from the chia seeds.

Chia seeds are high in soluble fiber, the kind that forms a smooth, gel-like texture when combined with liquid. That’s what naturally thickens the jam, no added thickeners needed! This same type of fiber also supports gut health by helping to bind and remove metabolic waste and excess cholesterol. Basically, they’re little digestive superheroes in disguise.

Plus, chia seeds help you stay fuller longer, balance blood sugar, and add a subtle nuttiness that makes this jam taste even better.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens.
  3. Use a potato masher to mash the cranberries to your preferred texture gently.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool; it will continue to thicken as it sets.
  5. Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How to Use It

This jam is so versatile, try it:

  • Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal
  • Layered in a PB&J for a festive twist
  • Spread over toast or pancakes
  • Stirred into warm oats or baked oats for extra flavor
  • Spooned on top of baked brie for a cozy holiday appetizer
  • Add this Cranberry Chia Seed Jam to your Pumpkin French Toast Cups

This jam is one of those cozy little staples that make healthy eating feel effortless.
For more ridiculously easy recipes like this, check out my Lazy Girl Meals Cookbook. It’s packed with quick, high-protein meals that taste like comfort food but take minutes to make.

Storage

Keep your jam in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze in small portions for longer storage.

Can You Use Frozen Cranberries?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work beautifully here! In fact, I make this jam with frozen cranberries all the time when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just toss them straight into the pot (no need to thaw) and simmer a few extra minutes until they burst and soften. The flavor is just as bright and tangy, maybe even a little more intense.

If you want to play around, try mixing in a handful of raspberries or pomegranate seeds for an extra festive twist. It’s such a fun way to make your jam feel new each year, just like your own little holiday tradition in a jar.

Two glass jars of homemade cranberry chia jam sitting on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by cedar branches, a clementine, and soft glowing candles — a cozy, holiday-inspired setup that highlights the rich red color and texture of the jam.
No ratings yet

Cranberry Chia Seed Jam

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Author: Bridgette Blakey
This cozy, tart-sweet cranberry chia jam is the easiest way to welcome the holidays. Made with just five ingredients: fresh cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, and fiber-rich chia seeds. It’s naturally thickened, refined-sugar free, and ready in under 15 minutes. Spread it over toast, pancakes, or oats for a healthy, festive breakfast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review

Ingredients
 

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens.
  • Use a potato masher to gently mash the cranberries to your preferred texture.
  • Remove from heat and let cool. It will continue to thicken as it sets.
  • Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • You can use fresh or frozen cranberries; no need to thaw. Just simmer a few extra minutes if frozen.
  • The jam will thicken as it cools thanks to the chia seeds, which naturally gel and add fiber.
  • Taste and adjust the sweetness. Maple syrup can be reduced to ⅓ cup for a more tart jam.
  • Store in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze in small containers for up to 3 months.
  • For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla, or a splash of orange zest before cooling.
  • Use this jam on toast, pancakes, overnight oats, baked oatmeal, or yogurt bowls.
  • For more ridiculously easy, high-protein recipes, check out my Lazy Girl Meals Cookbook.
Calories: 51kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 0.4g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.05g, Trans Fat: 0.003g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 59mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 22IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Final Thoughts

There’s something grounding about making your own jam. It’s simple, slow, and deeply satisfying. This Cranberry Chia Jam is my way of slowing down and savoring the first moments of the holiday season. It’s cozy, bright, and made with love.

So grab a pot, put on some soft music, and let the scent of cranberries and orange fill your kitchen. You’re officially in your cozy season era.