The warm, cozy feelings you get from the fragrance of a simmer pot transport you to a calm, happy place.

Pot filled with fresh cranberries, orange slices, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, star anise and water — Christmas simmer pot

How to Make a Simmer Pot {Stovetop Potpourri}

You can create different combinations of citrus, herbs, and spices to make various simmer pot recipes to set the mood.

You only need a heavy pot, stovetop burner, water and spices, fruit, herbs, etc.

Using a simmer pot adds moisture and fragrance to the air. Therefore, they are usually enjoyed during cooler months.

You can use dried orange slices instead of fresh orange slices.

Supplies for Simmer Pot

Dutch oven or similar heavy pot
Measuring cups and measuring spoons
Oven timer
Spice Grater

Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe

Simmer pot ingredients on a countertop — Simmer pot ingredients

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Nothing smells better than the scents of Christmas. Creating a warm, cozy Christmas scent with natural ingredients in a heavy stovetop or Crockpot pan is easy.

Choosing the ingredients that smell like Christmas is easy during the holidays.

Fresh cranberries: Cranberries add a gorgeous pop of red to your simmer pot. Since cranberries are only available briefly, grab a few extra bags and toss them in the freezer.

Naval oranges: Sliced oranges add a bright, sweet scent.

Rosemary: The addition of fresh herbs is according to your personal preference. Rosemary adds a woody-herbaceous scent that balances the sweet and citrus.

Whole cloves: They add a traditional holiday scent that is both warm and cozy.

Cinnamon sticks: These smell just like Christmas!

Whole nutmeg {grated}: Nutmeg is another holiday favorite, so it is a must for a Christmas simmer pot. It adds an earthy, sweet, and spicy scent.

Star Anise: Besides being a gorgeous spice, it adds a spicy-sweet, pungent, warm scent.

Optional: You can add a pine cutting for a pine scent. Dried bay leaves are another spice that is popular during the holidays. In addition to oranges, you can add grapefruit or lemon slices.

How to Make Christmas Simmer Pot Step by Step

Adding the simmer pot ingredients can be done in any order; however, adding them to look beautiful is important to the overall experience; therefore, I add them in the order suggested below.

Cranberries Step One

Cranberries are a must for a Christmas simmer pot. Fresh berries are best, but you can use frozen ones.

Pour the cranberries into the bottom of a heavy Dutch oven or pot.

Adding fresh cranberries to large pot — fresh cranberries

Oranges Slices and Herbs {Rosemary} Step Two

Carefully place the orange slices in a staggered arrangement on one side of your pot.

Place Rosemary sprigs next to the orange slices. Leaving half the cranberries exposed.

Fresh ingredients arranged in a large pot — Fresh ingredients

Spices Step Three

Grate about a teaspoon of whole nutmeg (a little goes a long way).

Grating whole nutmeg over the fresh ingredients in the pot — Grating whole nutmeg

Adding whole cloves over the fresh ingredients — Add whole cloves

Sprinkle the whole cloves and star anise over the orange slices.

Water Step Four

Slowly add water to ensure that the elements in the pot are not disturbed.

Adding water over all the simmer pot ingredients

Heat Simmer Pot Step Five

Place the Dutch oven or pot over low heat and simmer. Add more water as it boils down.

Note: never leave the pot on the stove when it is unsupervised. I use an oven timer set for 2 hours at a time to check on the water level.

Dutch oven filled with fresh fruit, herbs, spices, and water — Simmer pot

How Long Does a Simmer Pot Last?

A simmer pot can last for days, but you must keep adding water. Turn it off when you are not home and at night.

5 from 1 vote

Christmas Simmer Pot

The warm, cozy feelings you get from the smell of a simmer pot transport you to a calm, happy place.

Prep Time10

Equipment

1 Dutch Oven
1 Spice grater

Materials

1 Naval orange (sliced)
2 cups Cranberries
2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
1 Whole clove
1 tablespoon Star Anise
1 Whole nutmeg (grated)
6 cups water

Instructions

Pour the cranberries into the bottom of a heavy Dutch oven or pot.
Carefully place the orange slices in a staggered arrangement on one side of your pot.
Place Rosemary sprigs next to the orange slices. Leaving half the cranberries exposed.
Grate about a teaspoon of whole nutmeg (a little goes a long way).
Sprinkle the whole cloves and star anise over the orange slices.
Slowly add water to ensure that the elements in the pot are not disturbed.
Place the Dutch oven or pot over low heat and simmer. Add more water as it boils down.

Notes

Note: never leave the pot on the stove when it is unsupervised. I use an oven timer set for 2 hours at a time to check on the water level.

Note: You can use a Crock pot (slow cooker) for your pot; just be sure to leave the lid ajar. Also, you can use a small saucepan for a small batch of simmering pot ingredients.

If you want your home to smell amazing, I think you will enjoy making a simmer pot.

Simmer Pot Kit Gift

Simmer pot kits are a thoughtful gift everyone will enjoy. You can download the tag, fill a jar or plastic bag with the ingredients, and tie on the tag.

Want a Stress-Free Holiday?

Want to enjoy all the holiday season has to offer but find it overwhelming? Join me for a stress-free holiday season with tons of inspiration and money-saving ideas for decorating, gift-giving, and more. Join HERE! And have the best of everything this holiday.

Merry Christmas,

Kippi

Ps. This post was shared on Between Naps on The Porch.

Simmer Pot Recipes