Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe for a Cozy Holiday

Fill your home with the warm, festive scents of the season with this easy Christmas simmer pot recipe. Made with simple ingredients like oranges, cranberries, cinnamon, and rosemary, it’s a natural way to make your house smell like Christmas and create a welcoming atmosphere all season long.

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Cozy Christmas Simmer Pot

There’s something about the smell of oranges, cinnamon, and cloves that makes it feel like Christmas. This easy Christmas simmer pot recipe is one of my favorite ways to fill our home with that warm, inviting holiday scent (No candles required!)

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your house smell like Christmas in minutes.

Whether you’re hosting friends and family for the holidays, wrapping gifts, or curling up by the fire, enjoying Christmas movies with your favorite holiday snacks, this stovetop holiday simmer pot will make every moment feel a little more special.

And if you love easy seasonal ideas as much as I do, I’ve teamed up with 10 talented blogging friends to share even more inspiration.

You’ll find all of their holiday decorating and DIY projects linked at the end of this post.

Table of Contents

• Cozy Christmas Simmer Pot
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• What is a Christmas Simmer Pot?
• Ingredients for a Christmas Simmer Pot
• Equipment Needed
• How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot
• Tips to Make the Best DIY Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe
• Other Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes
• How to Turn a Christmas Simmer Pot into a Thoughtful Gift
• How to Store and Reuse Your Christmas Simmer Pot
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Christmas Posts You’ll Love
• Ready to Try This Christmas Simmer Pot?
• Printable Recipe Card for a Christmas Simmer Pot
• Pin It to Save It for Later
• Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!

Ingredients for a Christmas Simmer Pot

Here’s everything you need to make your own festive Christmas simmer pot recipe at home

Water: The base for your simmer pot. It helps release the natural oils and fragrances from the ingredients as they heat up.

Orange: Adds a bright, citrusy note that smells fresh and festive. You can use a fresh orange sliced thin, or dried orange slices if you prefer.

Cranberries: Provide a pop of color and a slightly tart scent that balances the sweetness of the citrus and spices.

Cinnamon Sticks: The classic holiday spice that gives your simmer pot that warm, unmistakable Christmas aroma.

Whole Cloves: Small but mighty, these little buds add depth and a cozy spice that rounds out the scent blend.

Fresh Rosemary: Brings a subtle evergreen fragrance that pairs perfectly with the citrus and spice for that “smells like Christmas” effect.

How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot

Ready to make your own holiday simmer pot? Here are the easy step-by-step directions. There’s also a full printable recipe card with all the ingredients and instructions at the bottom of the post

Stovetop Instructions

Step 1: Fill Your Pot with Water

Start by filling a large stock pot or Dutch oven with four cups of water, or enough to fill your pot at least halfway.

I like to use an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven, but any large, non-reactive pot will work for this simmering potpourri pot recipe.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients to Your Pot

Slice one large orange. Next, add your orange slices to the pot of water along with one cup of cranberries and a teaspoon of whole cloves.

Then add 2-3 cinnamon sticks and 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary to the mixture.

Step 3: Stir and Simmer

Turn the heat on low and let your Christmas potpourri simmer on the stovetop for 2-3 hours.

As the mixture simmers, you’ll start to notice hints of cinnamon and citrus filling your home with the wonderful smell of Christmas.

Step 4: Add Water as Needed

And finally, be sure to add additional water as needed to keep the pot from boiling dry.

(You don’t want burnt-on oranges and cranberries stuck to the bottom of your pan!)

Crockpot Instructions

You can make this festive holiday recipe in a crockpot, too!

Simply dump all your ingredients into a medium-sized slow cooker.

Then cover, set it to low heat, and let the crockpot do the rest of the work.

How to Turn a Christmas Simmer Pot into a Thoughtful Gift

This DIY Christmas simmer pot gift is such a simple and budget-friendly way to share the cozy scents of the season. It’s perfect for friends, neighbors, coworkers, or as a small hostess gift for your next holiday gathering, like a holiday brunch, or a cozy winter dinner party.

Carefully fill a 2-quart mason jar with all the ingredients, then tie a pretty ribbon and gift tag around the lid. (Don’t forget to jot down the simmering instructions on the back!)

If you plan to make several gifts, buy the ingredients in bulk to save money. A few bags of cranberries, a handful of oranges, a bundle of cinnamon sticks, and a bag of whole cloves will stretch a long way, letting you create multiple simmer pots at once.

Since this simmer pot is made with fresh herbs and produce, it’s best to assemble it the day before you plan to give it. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to deliver, and remind your friend or family member to use it within a few days for the best results.

And while a mason jar is always classic, you can get creative with the packaging, too. Try placing the ingredients in a clear glass simmer pot, then wrap it with a holiday tea towel and tie on a wooden spoon for a beautiful presentation.

How to Store and Reuse Your Christmas Simmer Pot

You can reuse your Christmas simmer pot ingredients for up to seven days. After simmering, let the mixture cool completely and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it again.

When you’re ready for round two, drain the old water, add a few fresh cups, and let it warm slowly over low heat. If the scent has faded a bit, toss in a few new orange slices or another cinnamon stick to bring it back to life.

Once the ingredients start to lose their color or the scent weakens, it’s time to compost them and start fresh with a new batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use dried fruit instead of fresh?

A: Absolutely. Dried oranges, apples, or cranberries work just as well and last even longer, making them a great option for gifting or prepping ahead. (For tips on how to dry oranges using a dehydrator, see this post.)

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries in a Christmas simmer pot?

A: Fresh cranberries are best, but frozen cranberries will work in a pinch or unable to find them in your grocery store.

Q: Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks?

A: Yes! If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, you can use ground cinnamon instead. About ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon equals one cinnamon stick. The scent won’t last quite as long, but it still smells wonderful.

Q: What other ingredients smell good in a simmer pot?

A: Try experimenting with what you have on hand. Bay leaves, star anise, vanilla extract, or even a splash of apple cider can give your holiday simmer pot a little extra warmth and depth.

Click on each of the links below to see more Christmas ideas and inspiration.

How to Make an Easy Red Bird Christmas Wreath // Southern Crush at Home

Simple and Neutral French Country Christmas Decor Ideas // Robyn’s French Nest

12 Creative DIY Christmas Tree Stand Ideas to Try This Year // WM Design House

Simple Ideas for Christmas Decorating on a Budget // Shiplap and Shells

Mesh and Ribbon Christmas Wreath: A Stunning Holiday Decoration // White Lilac Farmhouse

DIY Tartan Plaid Photo Frame: A Pottery Barn Look Alike for Less // Cottage in the Mitten

Items to Get You Excited to Decorate for the Holidays // Pasha is Home

How To Set Up A Beautiful Seasonal Beverage Station // A Stroll Through Life

Easy Greenery Christmas Wreath // Willow Bloom Home

Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe For A Cozy Holiday // Midwest Life and Style

Printable Recipe Card for a Christmas Simmer Pot

Pin Recipe

5

Christmas Simmer Pot

Fill your home with the festive scents of the season with a Christmas simmer pot. This easy recipe is perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere throughout the holiday season.

Print Recipe

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time2 hours hrs

Servings: 1 simmer pot

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 large orange, sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

• Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water.
• Add the cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and rosemary to the pot and stir.
• Cover and simmer on low for 2-3 hours. Add more water, as needed, to prevent the simmer pot from drying out.

Notes

This recipe can be adapted to a crock pot. Follow the directions as listed, and heat all ingredients on low. 

Your simmer pot can be reused for several days! Simply let cool and then place your pot in the fridge. Continue to replace the water and fresh ingredients as needed.

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