A Christmas simmer pot is a simple way to fill a home with warm holiday scents. Many people enjoy making Christmas simmer pot recipes because they use real fruit, spices, and herbs to create a cozy smell in the air.
These simmer pots have become very popular since they offer a natural and gentle fragrance without harsh chemicals or strong sprays. They help set a calm mood during the holiday season, and they can run on a stovetop, a slow cooker, or an electric simmer pot.
Simmer Pot Recipe Book
160 cozy simmer pot recipes to make your home smell amazing — perfect for holidays, self-care days, and everyday freshness!
A simmer pot works by heating water with fresh or dried ingredients. As the water warms, the scents rise slowly and spread through the room. People often choose oranges, cranberries, cinnamon, pine, nutmeg, vanilla, and many other holiday favorites.
For safety, the pot should stay filled with enough water at all times, and heat should stay low. The pot should never be left without supervision, and the surface around it should stay clear. With these simple steps, a Christmas simmer pot creates gentle holiday comfort in an easy, relaxed way.
Why Christmas Simmer Pots Are a Must This Holiday
1. The holiday season brings special scents, and simmer pots help those aromas spread through a room in a warm and steady way. These scents feel calming, peaceful, and tied to classic Christmas memories for many homes.
2. Simmer pots offer a cleaner option than candles or strong room sprays. They use real fruit and spices, so the air feels light and fresh without extra smoke or extra chemicals.
3. A simmer pot uses simple, low-cost ingredients. Each blend can be changed based on what someone likes, so each home can enjoy a personal mix.
4. A simmer pot sets the mood for a holiday gathering or a quiet winter night. The gentle steam, soft smell, and warm spices help create a festive space without extra effort.
1. Classic Christmas Spice Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend brings out warm Christmas notes that many homes enjoy each winter. It uses simple spices that release a gentle scent for hours. The mix feels comforting and smooth, filling a room with a soft holiday smell. It works well during gift wrapping or while resting with a warm drink.
Ingredients
- 1 orange, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Pour water into a small pot. Set the heat to low. Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and bay leaves. Let the mix warm slowly. Add more water as it cooks down. Keep the heat low so the scent rises without burning. Allow it to simmer for a few hours.
2. Cinnamon Orange Holiday Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend brings a bright orange smell mixed with soft cinnamon. The scent feels warm and sweet, perfect for a holiday morning. The mix works well when guests arrive, because the aroma spreads quickly and feels pleasant in any room.
Ingredients
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Place water in a pot and turn heat to low. Add sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Let the mix warm slowly. Add water when needed to keep the pot from drying out. Keep the heat low to help the scent last longer.
3. Cranberry Orange Christmas Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend gives off a sweet and tart scent. The cranberries add bright color while the orange adds a soft citrus tone. The smell feels clean and full of holiday cheer. It brings a simple joy to a quiet home evening.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Pour water into a small pot. Add cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract. Heat on low until the aroma rises. Add more water as it cooks down. Keep simmering until the scent fills the space.
4. Warm Winter Spice Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend gives a gentle mix of sweet and earthy spices. It brings a smooth warmth to the air, perfect for a cold winter day. The scent feels steady and comforting while staying soft.
Ingredients
- 1 apple, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 whole star anise
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Place water into a pot and heat on low. Add apple slices, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and star anise. Let the mix warm until steam begins to rise. Add water when needed. Allow it to simmer for hours for a steady scent.
5. Gingerbread Cookie Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend smells like warm gingerbread cookies fresh from the oven. It brings a soft sweetness with hints of ginger and molasses-like tones. Many enjoy this scent during baking days or while setting up holiday decorations.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Add water to a pot and place on low heat. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Let the mix warm until the scent rises. Add more water as needed. Keep the heat low to avoid burning the spices.
6. Apple Pie Holiday Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This scent feels like fresh apple pie cooling on a counter. The apples mix with warm spices to create a gentle and sweet smell. It works well during a cozy holiday night or before guests come over.
Ingredients
- 1 apple, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Add water to a pot and heat on low. Place apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice into the pot. Let the mix warm slowly. Add more water when needed. Allow it to simmer for a soft apple pie scent.
7. Peppermint Mocha Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This mix brings a warm coffee scent mixed with cool peppermint. The smell is soft and sweet, much like a holiday drink many enjoy in winter. It feels uplifting and cozy at the same time.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coffee grounds
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 2 peppermint sticks or soft peppermint candies
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Pour water into a small pot and warm on low. Add coffee grounds, cocoa powder, and peppermint sticks. Let the mix heat until the scent blends. Add more water when needed. Keep heat steady and low.
8. Pine & Citrus Christmas Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This scent brings the smell of a fresh tree and bright citrus into a room. It feels clean, crisp, and refreshing. Many enjoy it during tree-decorating time or on cold mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 handful fresh pine needles
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Place water into a pot and heat on low. Add pine needles, lemon slices, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks. Let the mix warm slowly. Add water when needed to keep ingredients covered.
9. Vanilla Cinnamon Comfort Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend offers a calm and sweet smell with soft tones of vanilla and cinnamon. It works well for a peaceful night or during quiet reading time.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 apple, sliced (optional)
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Pour water into a small pot and heat on low. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, and apple slices if using them. Let the mix warm gently. Add more water as needed to keep it from drying out.
10. Holiday Hearth Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend brings a warm, deep scent that feels like sitting near a crackling fire. It mixes woodsy notes with soft spices that fill the air in a gentle way. Many enjoy this blend during quiet evenings or winter movie nights.
Ingredients
- 1 handful pine needles
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Add water to a pot and warm on low heat. Add pine needles, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. Let the mix simmer gently. Add more water when needed, keeping heat steady and low so the scent lasts longer.
11. Mulled Wine Spice Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This simmer pot brings the aroma of warm mulled spices without using real wine. It smells rich and cozy, with sweet notes from the spices and citrus. It brings a strong holiday scent to the room during gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Place water in a pot on low heat. Add orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and allspice. Let the blend warm until steam rises. Add more water when needed and keep simmering for a bold holiday aroma.
12. Christmas Tree Forest Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This scent brings the smell of a winter forest indoors. The pine gives a clean, fresh tone, and the citrus adds a light brightness. It works well during tree-lighting nights.
Ingredients
- 1 handful pine needles
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 rosemary sprig
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Add water to a pot and heat on low. Add pine needles, lemon slices, lime slices, and rosemary. Let the steam rise and fill the room. Add more water when needed.
13. Sugared Cranberry Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend smells sweet and bright. The cranberries give a tart note while the sugar adds a gentle warmth. It creates a cheerful holiday aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 orange peel
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Pour water into a pot and heat on low. Add cranberries, sugar, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks. Stir gently and let the mix simmer. Add more water as needed to keep the scent steady.
14. Clove & Orange Pomander Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This recipe smells like the classic orange-and-clove pomanders made during winter. It brings a bright citrus note mixed with warm spice. It works well for holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 2 tablespoons whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Add water to a pot and warm on low. Add orange slices, cloves, and cinnamon. Let the aroma rise slowly. Add more water when needed.
15. Holiday Baking Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend smells like warm baked treats. It fills the home with a sweet scent that many enjoy during cookie-baking week. It has a smooth, comforting tone.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 apple, sliced
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Place water in a pot and set heat to low. Add vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and apple slices. Let it warm until the scent spreads. Add water when needed to keep the pot from drying out.
16. Spiced Cider Christmas Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This recipe smells like warm spiced cider. It has notes of apple, cinnamon, and rich spice. It brings a calm and cozy feeling to any space.
Ingredients
- 1 apple, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Pour water into a pot and heat on low. Add apple slices, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Let it simmer while adding more water as needed.
17. Winter Wonderland Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend brings a crisp and clean winter scent. The mint adds a cool note, while the citrus brings a soft brightness. It feels refreshing and light.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 2 peppermint sticks
- 1 rosemary sprig
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Add water to a pot and heat on low. Add lemon slices, lime slices, peppermint sticks, and rosemary. Warm the mixture until the scent rises. Add water when needed.
18. Nutmeg & Vanilla Noel Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This scent feels soft and gentle. The nutmeg brings a warm spice tone, and the vanilla adds a sweet note. It works well during gift wrapping or a quiet holiday night.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Pour water into a pot on low heat. Add vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks. Let the mix slowly simmer. Add more water when needed.
19. Fireside Christmas Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend smells rich and woodsy. It brings the feeling of a warm fire without the smoke. Many enjoy it during evening gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 handful pine needles
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 small piece dried orange peel
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Add water to a pot and heat on low. Add pine needles, cinnamon, cloves, and dried orange peel. Let the scent rise. Add more water when needed.
20. Cardamom & Orange Holiday Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend has a soft citrus scent mixed with warm cardamom spice. It brings a gentle aroma that feels uplifting and smooth.
Ingredients
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 teaspoon cardamom pods
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Pour water into a pot on low heat. Add orange slices, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks. Let the mix warm slowly. Add more water as needed.
21. Cozy Cabin Christmas Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend creates the feeling of a calm cabin in winter. It mixes pine, spice, and citrus for a balanced scent. It works well for peaceful evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 handful pine needles
- 1 apple, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Add water to a pot and warm on low. Add pine needles, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Let the aroma rise. Add more water when needed.
22. Cranberry Pinecone Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This mix brings together fresh cranberries and a light pine scent. It feels clean, bright, and very festive.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 small pinecone (washed and dried)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Place water in a pot and heat on low. Add cranberries, the clean pinecone, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks. Let the mix simmer slowly. Add water as needed.
23. Holiday Cheer Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This recipe brings a cheerful holiday smell with sweet citrus and spice. It feels uplifting and warm, great for daytime gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Add water to a pot and heat on low. Add the lemon, orange, cloves, and cinnamon. Warm the mix until the scent fills the room. Add more water when needed.
24. Christmas Morning Kitchen Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend brings a soft, sweet scent that suits a slow holiday morning. It smells like fresh pastry and warm spice.
Ingredients
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Pour water into a pot on low heat. Add apple slices, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let it warm slowly. Add more water when needed.
25. Warm Ginger & Citrus Yuletide Simmer Pot
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2–3 hours | Yield: 1 pot
This blend mixes bright citrus with warm ginger. It gives a lively scent that feels clean and vibrant.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Add water to a pot and warm on low. Add lemon, orange, ginger, and cinnamon. Let the mix simmer gently. Add more water when needed.
How to Package Simmer Pot Ingredients for Gifts
Simmer pot ingredients make thoughtful, easy gifts for the holidays. Using Mason jars is a popular choice because they keep ingredients neat and allow the colors of fruits and spices to show through.
Dried fruits like orange slices, apple rings, or cranberries last longer and create a bright, festive look. Small bags or clear containers work well too. Adding a printable gift tag with simple instructions makes the gift even more special.
It’s important to store dehydrated ingredients in a cool, dry place until gifting. These packaged simmer pots are not only attractive but also safe, simple, and ready to help friends or family enjoy warm holiday scents in their own homes.
Conclusion
Christmas simmer pots are an easy way to bring warm, festive scents into any home. Using simple fruits, spices, and herbs, each blend fills a room with cozy, seasonal aromas.
They are safe, natural, and customizable, letting everyone create their favorite combinations. Experimenting with ingredients is part of the fun, encouraging creativity while spreading holiday cheer.
These simmer pots create a calm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for gatherings or quiet winter nights. With simple preparation and thoughtful presentation, they offer a gentle, natural alternative to candles or sprays, making any home feel festive, warm, and full of holiday spirit throughout the season.
