This Christmas Simmering Pot recipe is a cozy way to make your house smell like Christmas. It’s super easy to put together and makes a great Christmas gift.
I love a thoughtful and fun homemade gift, if you like to give something personal, try my Christmas Hot Cocoa Bombs or my Christmas Lump of Coal Candy.
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Why this Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe is a Keeper
This simmering potpourri is such a great way to make your home smell like Christmas while you put your Christmas tree up. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be reused.
- Instant Holiday Atmosphere: When you make a simmer pot, it fills your home with cozy, nostalgic scents of citrus, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Effortless: Just simmer water and my ingredients for a simmering pot blend. No baking or complicated prep.
- Customizable: Works with whatever spices and fruits you have on hand.
- Reusable: Can be topped up with water and simmered again for several days. This simmer pot is a great way to freshen your house. This Christmas simmer pot will make a great gift.
Can I Leave the Simmering Pot Unattended?
When you do make Christmas simmer pot, be sure to stay around and aware while it’s on the stove. Set a timer so you don’t forget to check the water every so often. The simmer pot will last for several uses.
Pro Tip for Holiday Potpourri
Dress It Up: Tie the jar with twine, ribbon, or a sprig of rosemary or pine for a rustic holiday look. Pair the jar with a small wooden spoon, a festive tea towel, or a holiday candle to create a complete gift set.
Simmer Pot Ingredient to Make Fresh Christmas Scents
You need a few fresh ingredients like fruit and herbs to make a fall simmer pot recipe.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Fruit: In a Christmas simmer pot, I like to use both oranges and whole fresh cranberries or frozen cranberries.
- Water: Be sure to add several cups of water as needed so that your simmer pot recipe doesn’t burn.
- Herbs & Spices: You will need cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole all spice berries, star anise pods, fresh rosemary sprigs and ground nutmeg.
Variations and Substitutions for Easy Christmas Potpourri
There are a couple different swaps you can make to make this Christmas simmer pot extra delicious smelling.
- Fruit: Swap the oranges for apples, lemons or other fruit. Feel free to use dried orange slices instead of fresh for classic Christmas inspiration.
- Spices: Use star anise, nutmeg, or allspice instead of cloves.
- Herbs: Add rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves for a fresh, woodsy note.
- Sweet Touch: A splash of vanilla or a handful of dried fruit adds depth.
Special Equipment Needed for the Festive Christmas Gift
Most of this Christmas Simmering Pot uses everyday kitchen tools, but a few items can make it perfect.
- Saucepan: You will need a medium saucepan or slow cooker for simmering the smell of Christmas.
- Trivet: Be sure to have a heat-safe trivet if serving the pot with water as a centerpiece.
- Jars with Lids: Use Mason jars if using the dry mix as a hostess gift idea. Complete your Christmas simmer pot gift with an easy diy Christmas tree gift tag. You can attach a printable christmas tag with the list of ingredients to make recipe attached to the jar.
How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot
This is one of the easiest recipes ever. It comes together in 2 steps, and is perfect for getting fresh Christmas scent.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Boil Ingredients: Fill a pot 75% of the way with water and place it on medium-high heat. Add in the cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, all spice, star anise, cloves, nutmeg and fresh rosemary. Bring everything to a boil.
- Let Pot Simmer: Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for several hours. Keep an eye on the water level and be sure to add more if it needs it.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Gift
When I prepare Christmas simmer pot ingredients ahead of time, it can help save me time and kitchen space when it comes to making a holiday simmer pot.
- Prepare: Assemble dry ingredients (spices, dried citrus slices) in jars weeks ahead.
- Fruit: Slice fresh fruit the day you plan to simmer.
- Gifts: Package as DIY gifts with instructions for simmering.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Holiday Simmering Pot
This holiday potpourri recipe is usually made on the stove, but you can also use your slow cooker or instant pot.
- Slow Cooker: Set your crock pot on low heat, with lid partially open for all-day fragrance that will make your whole house smell like Christmas.
- Instant Pot (Sauté Mode): Works like stovetop simmering, but keep lid off and simmer over low heat for fresh Christmas tree scent.
- Wood Stove or Fireplace Insert: Place pot nearby for gentle heat release of Christmas smell.
Store and Use Easy DIY Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe
- Storing: Dry mix: Keep spices and dried fruit sealed in jars for up to 6 months. Refrigerate cooled mixture and reuse within 2–3 days.
- Reheating: Add fresh water to your diy Christmas simmer pot recipe and bring back to a gentle simmer.
- Using Leftovers: If you’re done using your simmer pot, strain cooled liquid from your easy Christmas simmer pot and use as a natural air freshener spray. Grind cooled citrus slices in the garbage disposal for a fresh scent.
Common Questions About This Christmas Inspiration Recipe
Sure, I’ve seen easy Christmas stovetop potpourri simmer pots use apple slices instead of oranges for the holiday scent.
Christmas potpourri can smell amazing for several days.
Expert Tips for Easy Homemade Gift Idea
- Water: When you make a Christmas Simmering Pot, make sure water topped up to prevent scorching.
- Simmer Pot Ingredients: Use whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves) for stronger, longer-lasting aroma.
- Dry: Dry citrus slices ahead for easy storage and simmer pot gift bags.
- Add-Ins: Experiment with seasonal herbs like pine sprigs or rosemary for a festive twist.
- Serve With: Serve with Christmas Wreath Appetizer, Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch or Christmas Tree Brownies.
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Christmas Simmering Pot
Equipment
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Ingredients
- Water
- 2 cups Whole cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 large Orange, sliced
- 4 Cinnamon sticks, broken in half
- 1 Tablespoon Whole all spice berries
- 1 Tablespoon Whole cloves
- 1 Tablespoon Ground nutmeg
- 3 Star anise pods
- 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Fill a large pot ¾ of the way with water and place it over medium high heat. If using a slow cooker, set it to low.
- Add all of the ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and continue to simmer over low heat for several hours. Be sure to keep an eye on the water level. Add more water as needed.
- When finished, you can cover the mixture and use it again the next day.
Christina’s Notes
- Enamel Pot: Use a large non‑reactive pot (enameled or stainless) so you’re not reacting citrus/spices with reactive surfaces.
- Use Enough Water: Keep an eye on water level — low water = burnt ingredients + smell goes from “cozy” to “uh‑oh”.
- Frozen Berries: Use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available.
- Reuse: You can reuse the mix for up to 2‑7 days if covered and refrigerated between uses.
- Gift Version: assemble dry mix, or semi‑fresh mix in jar/bag with instructions.
- Safety Note: Don’t forget it! Put it on a back burner or use a timer so you don’t leave it unattended for long stretches.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.