There’s something magical about the way Christmas smells. It’s that warm blend of cinnamon, orange, pine, and clove that instantly makes your home feel festive, welcoming, and nostalgic. And while candles and diffusers definitely have their moment, nothing compares to a Christmas simmer pot bubbling away on the stove. It’s simple, natural, and completely customizable — plus it makes your home smell like you’ve been baking all day even if you haven’t lifted a finger.

If you’ve never made a simmer pot before, you’re in for a treat. Think of it like stovetop potpourri: you add fragrant ingredients to a pot of water and let it gently simmer, releasing cozy scents throughout your home. It’s budget-friendly, relaxing, and a sweet little ritual to enjoy all December long.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about Christmas simmer pots, including how to make them, how to customize them, and plenty of festive recipes to try this season.

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What Is a Christmas Simmer Pot?

A Christmas simmer pot is a blend of holiday-inspired ingredients — usually fruits, herbs, and spices — simmered on the stovetop or in a slow cooker to fill your home with natural fragrance. Instead of using synthetic scents, simmer pots rely on fresh, real ingredients like sliced oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and pine sprigs.

They’re perfect for:

• Hosting holiday parties
• Adding a cozy scent during gift wrapping or tree decorating
• Creating calm on busy December days
• Making your home feel extra warm and inviting

They also make beautiful homemade gifts when packaged as dry ingredients in a jar.

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How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot

The process couldn’t be easier. Here’s the basic method you’ll use for nearly every simmer pot recipe:

1. Fill a pot with water — about 3–4 cups.
2. Add your ingredients — fruits, spices, herbs, extracts, etc.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
4. Let it gently warm for hours, adding more water as needed.
5. Enjoy the natural fragrance as it fills your home.

You can also use a slow cooker on low if you want the scent to last all day with zero attention.

Best Ingredients for Christmas Simmer Pots

Anything warm, bright, fruity, or woodsy works beautifully. Try experimenting with these:

Fruits

• Oranges
• Clementines
• Lemons
• Apples
• Cranberries

Spices

• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Star anise
• Nutmeg (whole or grated)
• Allspice berries

Herbs & Greens

• Rosemary
• Bay leaves
• Pine or evergreen cuttings
• Mint

Extras

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Maple syrup
• A splash of apple cider
• Fresh ginger

Mix and match to create your perfect holiday blend!

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Products I Use for My Simmer Pot Recipe

You’ll find the exact recipe I’m using this winter and the products I purchased in case you’d like to copy me exactly.

Products:

• Clear Simmer Pot
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Whole AllSpice
• Nutmeg Whole
• Dried Orange Slices (You can easily use fresh, but we don’t eat oranges often, so I’d rather have these on hand.)
• Orange Extract
• Whole Cloves

Home on Hayden’s Strong Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe

If you want a strong, bold, cinnamon-and-spice Christmas scent, this simmer pot recipe is the one to use. It fills your whole home quickly and smells like warm holiday baking mixed with cozy winter spices. To make it, simply add the following ingredients to a medium saucepan (2–3 quarts):

• 4–5 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries (not ground)
• 1 whole nutmeg, cracked in half (or ½ teaspoon grated)
• 1–2 star anise (optional)
• 3–4 slices fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ orange, sliced (optional for brightness)
• 4 cups water

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low or medium-low to maintain a soft simmer. Let it warm for hours, adding more water as needed. This blend is especially powerful and creates that classic “Christmas home” smell everyone loves.

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Festive Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes

Here are some cozy Christmas simmer pot recipes you can try this season — each one designed to smell like holiday joy in a pot.

01. Classic Christmas Simmer Pot

This one smells like everything you love about the holidays rolled into one pot.

You’ll need:

• 1 sliced orange
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2–3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 2–3 star anise
• A small rosemary sprig
• 4 cups water

How to make:
Add everything to your pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Let it simmer as long as you want, adding water when needed.

Smells like: Christmas morning, orange spice tea, and cozy nostalgia.

02. Gingerbread Cookie Simmer Pot

This one smells like you’ve been baking gingerbread men all afternoon.

You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger or a few slices of fresh ginger
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 3–4 whole cloves
• A sprinkle of nutmeg
• 4 cups water

Smells like: Warm gingerbread cookies with icing — sweet, spicy, and comforting.

03. Winter Woods Simmer Pot

If you love the scent of fresh trees and nature, this one is perfect.

You’ll need:

• A handful of pine or evergreen sprigs
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 small sliced lemon
• 1 rosemary sprig
• 2 whole cloves
• 4 cups water

Smells like: A quiet walk through snowy woods or freshly cut Christmas greenery.

04. Cozy Cranberry Apple Simmer Pot

This fruity blend is bright, warm, and festive — perfect for holiday gatherings.

You’ll need:

• ½ sliced apple
• ½ sliced orange
• 1 cup cranberries
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• A pinch of whole cloves
• 4 cups water

Smells like: Hot cider, baked apples, and cheerful holiday sweetness.

05. Christmas Kitchen Spice Simmer Pot

This one is spicy and aromatic, ideal for days when you want the whole house to smell like you’ve been cooking something amazing.

You’ll need:

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice
• 1 whole nutmeg (or ¼ teaspoon grated)
• 4 whole cloves
• A touch of vanilla
• 4 cups water

Smells like: Chai spice, homemade desserts, and warm baking notes.

06. Citrus & Clove Holiday Simmer Pot

Bright citrus blends beautifully with deep cloves for a traditional Christmas scent.

You’ll need:

• 2 sliced clementines or oranges
• 1 lemon slice
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 4 cups water

Smells like: Orange pomanders, spiced citrus tea, and classic holiday cheer.

07. Peppermint Hot Cocoa Simmer Pot

A fun and cozy twist that feels sweet and festive.

You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few fresh mint leaves or a drop of peppermint extract
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups water

Smells like: Hot cocoa by the tree with a peppermint stick.

Tips for the Best Christmas Simmer Pots

• Add water often. They evaporate quickly, especially on gas stoves.
• Reuse the mixture. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days and re-simmer when ready.
• Use a small slow cooker if you want it to last all day without monitoring.
• Skip the extracts if you prefer a lighter scent — they can be strong.
• Switch ingredients seasonally. These same methods work beautifully in fall, spring, and summer, too.

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Final Thoughts

Christmas simmer pots are one of the easiest ways to bring warmth and coziness into your home during the holidays. Whether you want your space to smell like gingerbread, fresh pine, spiced citrus, or cranberry cider, there’s a recipe for every mood and moment. And the best part? You can experiment with whatever you have in your kitchen — it’s nearly impossible to mess up.

So the next time you’re wrapping gifts, cleaning for company, or simply wanting a slow, peaceful moment at home, put a pot on the stove and let the magic of the season fill the air.

Let your home smell like Christmas — naturally, beautifully, and effortlessly.