Christmas Simmer Pot

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This Christmas Simmer Pot is an easy stovetop potpourri that instantly fills your home with the warm, comforting scents of the holidays. Fresh oranges, tart cranberries, and fragrant spices simmer together to bring a cozy Christmas feeling to every corner.

A pot filled with sliced oranges, apples, cranberries, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks, surrounded by cranberries, pinecones, and a plaid cloth on a white wooden table.

Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe

I love walking into a house filled with the cozy scent of citrus and warm winter spices—it just makes it feel like Christmas! This easy DIY Christmas Simmer Pot not only fills your home with festive aromas, but the cranberries, oranges, and rosemary look as pretty as they smell.

Skip the artificial sprays and candles because this simmering potpourri is a fresh, all-natural alternative that smells even better. Just simmer everything in water, and in minutes your home will be warm, inviting, and ready for the holidays.

For even more Christmas cheer, you can bake a batch of Christmas Cookies for Santa (and maybe even enjoy a Peppermint Martini) while your pot simmers.

A pot filled with sliced oranges, apples, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, star anise, and cloves.

Why We Love This Recipe

Smells amazing: The cozy scent of citrus, cranberries, and warm spices will make your home smell like the holiday season should.
Fresh ingredients: These ingredients create a natural holiday scent. There’s no need for sprays, candles, or store-bought Christmas potpourri.
Easy to customize: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your favorite holiday scents. I’ve included some great ideas below.
Lasts for days: Just keep adding more water as needed to refresh the scent and it can be enjoyed for days on end.

Simmer Pot Ingredients

Sliced apples and oranges on a board with rosemary. Surrounding items include bowls of anise, cloves, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks on a white table.

Large oranges, sliced
Apples, sliced
Cinnamon sticks
Whole cloves
Star anise
Fresh cranberries
Fresh rosemary
Water to fill pot

How To Make A Christmas Simmer Pot

Step 1. Gather your ingredients, then slice the apples and oranges.

Sliced oranges and apples on a wooden board, surrounded by rosemary, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves in bowls on a white surface.

Step 2. Place the sliced fruit into a large pot filled with water.

A pot of sliced apples and oranges in liquid, surrounded by bowls of star anise, cloves, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and sprigs of rosemary on a white surface.

Step 3. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, cranberries and finally, the rosemary springs.

A pot filled with sliced oranges, apples, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, and star anise on a white surface.

Step 4. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat. Replace water as needed.

A pot filled with sliced apples and oranges, cranberries, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store leftover ingredients in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the ingredients in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Top Tips

Use fresh ingredients for the best scent. Dried herbs won’t have the same effect.
Replace the water as it evaporates, keeping the pot at least halfway full.
Simmer on low heat to keep the scent steady without burning.
Don’t leave the pot unattended. Check it periodically to add water.

Slices of apples and oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and rosemary sprigs are arranged together.

Variations and Add-ins

Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet touch.
Pine: Toss in some pine sprigs to make the whole house smell like a fresh Christmas tree.
Frozen cranberries: If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen work just as well.
Other spices: Nutmeg or cardamom pods give it an extra kick of warm, spiced goodness.
Citrus: Swap the oranges for lemons for a brighter, zesty twist.
Essential oil: For a more intense classic Christmas fragrance, you can add essential oils like cinnamon, clove, orange, and lemon.

FAQs

How long does the Christmas Simmer Pot last?

The ingredients usually last up to 2-3 days before losing their scent.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of the stovetop?

Yes, simmering the ingredients in crock pot on low heat is a great alternative for a hands-off option.

What if it loses its Christmas scent?

Add fresh water and stir the ingredients to release more of their scent. You can also add another cinnamon stick or more cloves to give it a boost.

Can I turn this recipe into a gift?

Sure! It makes a great homemade gift idea. Layer the fresh ingredients inside a mason jar (leaving the fruit unsliced). Add a couple of star anise and cloves on top. Make sure to add a gift tag with the instructions.

A pot filled with sliced oranges, apples, cranberries, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and cloves sits on a white wooden surface. Pinecones and a plaid cloth are nearby.

More Festive Christmas Recipes

A pot filled with sliced oranges and apples, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, and star anise, set on a white surface with a plaid cloth.

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