Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe for a Cozy Holiday

Fill your whole house 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.

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This post was originally published on October 19, 2023. Last updated on October 27, 2024

Home for the Holidays: Cozy Tips and Festive Inspiration

There is something truly magical about the holiday season.

And while it may seem early to start thinking about Christmas, getting a head start now can help ensure a stress-free and joyful season, without the last-minute rushing.

To help you get into the holiday spirit I’ve teamed up with some friends to share 10 different DIY and decor ideas to inspire you for the Christmas season.

Thank you to my good friend Pasha from Pasha Is Home for hosting and coordinating this holiday hop.

And welcome to those of you who are stopping by from Shawna at Willow Bloom Home.

All of the posts are linked at the bottom of the page, so be sure to take time to visit each blogger for all of the Christmas inspiration.

Table of Contents

• Home for the Holidays: Cozy Tips and Festive Inspiration
• What is a Christmas Simmer Pot?
• Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe For A Cozy Holiday
  • Ingredients to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot
  • Equipment Needed
• How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot on the Stovetop
  • Step 1: Fill Your Pot with Water
  • Step 2: Add the Ingredients to Your Pot
  • Step 3: Stir and Simmer
  • Step 4: Add Water as Needed
• How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot in the Crock Pot
• Tips to Make the Best DIY Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe
• The Benefits of Using a Simmer Pot
• An Easy Homemade Christmas Gift on a Budget
• Common Christmas Simmer Pot Questions
• Other Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes
• Shop The Post
• More Christmas Inspiration from Midwest Life and Style
• More Holiday DIY And Decor Ideas
• Printable Recipe Card for a Christmas Simmer Pot
• Pin It to Save It for Later
• Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!

What is a Christmas Simmer Pot?

A simple, homemade Christmas stovetop potpourri, this DIY simmer pot recipe is perfect for the holiday season, and it is guaranteed to make your home smell amazing! 

And making a Christmas simmer pot is surprisingly easy.

Even if you’ve never made one before!

Just simmer a pot of water with seasonal ingredients like cinnamon sticks, oranges, cranberries, cloves, and sprigs of rosemary to fill your home with the cozy and festive scents of the holiday season.

Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe For A Cozy Holiday

The holiday season is a time for festive gatherings and cozy nights spent at home snuggled up by the fire enjoying Christmas movies with your favorite holiday snacks.

One of the best ways to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home for the holidays is to make a simple 6-ingredient Christmas simmer pot.

Ingredients to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot

To create your own festive Christmas simmer pot, here is a list of ingredients you’ll need:

• 4 cups water
• 1 fresh orange, sliced (or you can substitute dried orange slices)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 springs of fresh rosemary

Equipment Needed

• Enameled cast-iron Dutch oven or large non-reactive stock pot
• Cutting board
• Paring knife
• Liquid measuring cup
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot on the Stovetop

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 springs 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!)

How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot in the Crock Pot

You can make this festive holiday recipe in a crock pot too!

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

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

Tips to Make the Best DIY Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating your homemade Christmas simmer pot:

• For a stronger scent, use more ingredients or add a few drops of essential oils to the stock pot.
• For a more festive look, add some fresh pine stems
• If you don’t have all of the ingredients listed, don’t worry! Get creative and use whatever seasonal ingredients you have on hand.
• You can experiment with other fresh fruits like pears or apples. Or try different spices such as star anise or nutmeg.

The Benefits of Using a Simmer Pot

There are many benefits to using a holiday simmer pot.

Besides making your house smell amazing, it’s a natural way to freshen the air and reduce odors.

It’s also a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit, and it’s safer than burning a candle or heating wax melts.

An Easy Homemade Christmas Gift on a Budget

You can easily turn this cozy simmer pot recipe into an affordable gift that everyone will love.

It’s the perfect present for friends, neighbors, and coworkers, or bring it as a hostess gift to a holiday party!

Carefully fill a 2-quart mason jar with all the ingredients.

Then tie a festive ribbon and gift tag around the lid of the jar. (Don’t forget to write the instructions on the back of the tag!)

BONUS: Save money and make your own holiday gift tags at home. Get my free printable Christmas gift tags HERE.

Since this is made with fresh produce, it’s best to put the jar together the day before you give it away and store it in the fridge until then.

Be sure to tell the person you’re gifting it to to use it within two days and keep it in the fridge until they’re ready to use it.

Common Christmas Simmer Pot Questions

Q: Can you use ground cinnamon?

A: Yes, if you don’t have cinnamon sticks, you can use some ground cinnamon in its place. 1 cinnamon stick is equal to about 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

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

A: Fresh cranberries are best, but frozen cranberries will work in a pinch or if you are unable to find any fresh ones.

Q: Can you reuse a simmer pot the next day?

A: Depending on what ingredients you’ve used in your simmer pot, you can reuse the same simmering potpourri pot for several days! Simply continue to replace the pot water as needed.

Q: What to do with a simmer pot when done?

A: This Christmas simmer pot will last anywhere from 2-7 days. When you’re done with it, just strain out the liquid and compost or dispose of the remaining ingredients. 

Other Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes

Here are a few more ideas for simmer pots to fill your home with festive scents all season long.

• Cranberry rosemary simmer pot: This simple simmer pot is made with cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and water. It has a fresh and fruity scent that is perfect for the holidays.
• Gingerbread simmer pot: This simmer pot is made with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It has a warm and spicy scent that is perfect for filling your home with the smell of gingerbread.
• Apple cider simmer pot: This simmer pot is made with apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. It has a sweet and spicy scent that is perfect for the holiday season.
• Pine needle simmer pot: This simmer pot is made with pine needles, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. It has a fresh Christmas tree scent that is perfect for filling your home with the smell of a Christmas tree farm. .

No matter what ingredients you choose, a holiday simmer pot is a great way to make your whole house smell amazing and get into the holiday spirit.

So gather up your favorite seasonal simmer pot ingredients and give it a try!

Shop The Post

Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!

Dutch oven l Non-Reactive Stock Pot⎟Cutting Board⎟Paring Knife⎟Liquid Measuring Cup⎟Measuring Cups⎟Measuring Spoons⎟Wooden Spoon

More Christmas Inspiration from Midwest Life and Style

If you love this Christmas simmer pot, you might also like these holiday DIYs and recipes.

More Holiday DIY And Decor Ideas

Next, go visit Melanie at Southern Crush at Home to see her tutorial for making a beautiful red bird Christmas wreath.

Then don’t forget to check out all the holiday posts linked below for even more festive Christmas decor and DIY ideas.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Wishing you a joyous and magical holiday season.

Xo,

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

I would love to see what you make! If you try any of my recipes, be sure to tag me in your photos!

IG: @midwestlifeandstyle + #midwestlifeandstyle

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