21 Luscious Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes

There’s something so magical about the holiday season, and for me, it always starts with the scents that fill my home. Christmas just doesn’t feel complete without the cozy aroma of cinnamon, citrus, and cloves gently simmering on the stove. That’s where simmer pots come in — they’re such a simple, natural, and beautiful way to make your space smell like Christmas.

I love how easy these recipes are to put together, using everyday ingredients like oranges, cranberries, herbs, and spices. Just toss them in a pot of water, let it simmer, and within minutes your home is wrapped in festive cheer. It’s like creating a little holiday magic without candles or sprays — just pure, natural fragrance.

Whether you’re hosting guests, decorating the tree, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, these Christmas simmer pot recipes bring warmth, joy, and a touch of holiday spirit to every moment.

Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes

Classic Christmas Simmer Pot

Fill your home with the timeless aroma of Christmas using citrus, cinnamon, and cloves.
Ingredients:

• 1 orange, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tbsp whole cloves

• 1 cup cranberries

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Classic Christmas Simmer Pot

• Fill a pot with water and bring to a simmer

• Add orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and cloves

• Keep on low heat and add more water as needed

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
A festive, all-natural fragrance that instantly makes your home feel cozy and warm.

Gingerbread Spice Simmer Pot

Fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of freshly baked gingerbread.
Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp ground ginger or fresh ginger slices

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Gingerbread Spice Simmer Pot

• Add ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to simmering water

• Stir in vanilla and let the scent spread

• Refill with water as needed

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
Smells like a tray of gingerbread cookies straight from the oven.

Mulled Wine Inspired Simmer Pot

A cozy mix of fruit and spice without the alcohol.
Ingredients:

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 apple, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tbsp whole cloves

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Mulled Wine Inspired Simmer Pot

• Add orange, apple, and spices to simmering water

• Let the mixture release a rich, spiced aroma

• Simmer on low and add more water as needed

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
The perfect scent for cozy holiday evenings by the fire.

Vanilla Orange Simmer Pot

Sweet and citrusy with a touch of warmth.
Ingredients:

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1/2 cup cranberries

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Vanilla Orange Simmer Pot

• Combine all ingredients in simmering water

• Let the vanilla and orange blend into a sweet aroma

• Add more water as needed

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
A simple yet cheerful blend for holiday mornings.

Spiced Pinecone Simmer Pot

A rustic, woodsy fragrance with cozy spice.
Ingredients:

• 2 small pinecones (unsprayed)

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tbsp whole cloves

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Spiced Pinecone Simmer Pot

• Place pinecones and spices in simmering water

• Let the natural aroma fill your home

• Keep simmering on low heat

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
Brings the outdoors inside with a touch of holiday spice.

Lemon and Bay Leaf Simmer Pot

Fresh and earthy with a clean winter scent.
Ingredients:

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 3 bay leaves

• 1 sprig rosemary

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Lemon and Bay Leaf Simmer Pot

• Add lemon, bay leaves, and rosemary to simmering water

• Let simmer gently and refresh with more water if needed

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
A bright, grounding scent that clears the air during the holidays.

Christmas Morning Coffee Simmer Pot

Capture the cozy scent of fresh coffee with holiday spice.
Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp coffee grounds

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup orange peel

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Christmas Morning Coffee Simmer Pot

• Add coffee grounds, cinnamon, vanilla, and orange peel to simmering water

• Let the aroma spread like a cozy café

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
Perfect for coffee lovers who want Christmas cheer in the air.

Holiday Cranberry Spice Simmer Pot

 

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A sweet and spicy blend perfect for Christmas Eve.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberries

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 1 orange, sliced

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Holiday Cranberry Spice Simmer Pot

• Add cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange to simmering water

• Keep the pot on low and top up water as needed

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
A true holiday classic scent that feels warm and inviting.

Evergreen and Citrus Simmer Pot

Fresh forest notes blended with sweet citrus.
Ingredients:

• 1 handful pine needles or fir sprigs

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 orange peel

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Evergreen and Citrus Simmer Pot

• Add greenery, lemon, and orange peel to simmering water

• Let the fragrance fill your home with holiday freshness

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
Smells like a snowy forest decorated for Christmas.

Apple Pie Simmer Pot

 

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Bring the aroma of apple pie without turning on the oven.
Ingredients:

• 1 apple, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp allspice

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Apple Pie Simmer Pot

• Add apple slices and spices to simmering water

• Keep on low to create a bakery-style scent

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
Smells just like a freshly baked apple pie on Christmas day.

Candy Cane Simmer Pot

Minty and sweet, just like holiday candy canes.
Ingredients:

• 2 peppermint sticks or crushed candy canes

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Candy Cane Simmer Pot

• Add peppermint, vanilla, and lemon slices to simmering water

• Let it fill your home with a candy-inspired fragrance

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
A playful and fun scent that kids will love during the holidays.

Winter Spice Simmer Pot

Source: Pinterest

A blend of classic spices to create the ultimate Christmas scent.
Ingredients:

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tbsp whole cloves

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp allspice

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Winter Spice Simmer Pot

• Add all spices to simmering water

• Let simmer gently, adding more water as needed

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
Warm and spicy, perfect for cold winter nights.

Rosemary and Cranberry Simmer Pot

A refreshing and festive fragrance that feels both herbal and fruity.
Ingredients:

• 2 sprigs rosemary

• 1 cup cranberries

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Rosemary and Cranberry Simmer Pot

• Add rosemary, cranberries, and lemon to simmering water

• Let the mixture create a fresh, festive aroma

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
Herbal and fruity, this scent is clean and uplifting.

Nutmeg and Vanilla Simmer Pot

Source: Pinterest

Sweet and cozy with a hint of spice.
Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 orange peel

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Nutmeg and Vanilla Simmer Pot

• Combine nutmeg, vanilla, and orange peel in simmering water

• Allow the scent to fill your kitchen with warmth

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
A bakery-sweet aroma that feels like a holiday hug.

Clove and Orange Peel Simmer Pot

Simple, spiced, and citrusy — a classic Christmas fragrance.
Ingredients:

• 1 orange peel

• 1 tbsp whole cloves

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Clove and Orange Peel Simmer Pot

• Add orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon to simmering water

• Let it release a zesty, spicy fragrance

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
This simple recipe gives the true scent of Christmas.

Spiced Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot

A festive upgrade of cranberry and citrus with warm spice.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberries

• 1 orange, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Spiced Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot

• Add cranberries, orange, cinnamon, and nutmeg to simmering water

• Let it create a sweet and spicy aroma

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
This blend captures all the festive holiday scents in one pot.

Almond and Vanilla Simmer Pot

Sweet and nutty with a warm holiday vibe.
Ingredients:

• 1 tsp almond extract

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 orange peel

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Almond and Vanilla Simmer Pot

• Add almond, vanilla, and orange peel to simmering water

• Simmer gently and enjoy the bakery-style scent

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
Smells like holiday cookies baking in the kitchen.

Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot

Bright and cheerful with a sweet citrusy scent, perfect for holiday mornings.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot

• Bring water to a gentle simmer

• Add cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon, and vanilla

• Let the pot release its festive aroma, adding water as needed

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
A sweet, refreshing scent that captures the joy of Christmas mornings.

Pine and Rosemary Simmer Pot

Bring the outdoors in with the fresh, woodsy aroma of pine and herbs.
Ingredients:

• Small pine branch or needles (unsprayed)

• 2 rosemary sprigs

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic (optional for earthy depth)

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Pine and Rosemary Simmer Pot

• Add pine, rosemary, and lemon slices to simmering water

• Let the mixture release a forest-fresh holiday scent

• Refill with water as it evaporates

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
Perfect for those who love the crisp, clean fragrance of winter greenery.

Apple Cinnamon Simmer Pot

A warm, comforting scent of baked apples and sweet spice.
Ingredients:

• 1 apple, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp allspice

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Apple Cinnamon Simmer Pot

• Slice apple and add to simmering water

• Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice

• Keep simmering to release a cozy, bakery-style fragrance

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
Smells just like a holiday apple pie baking in the oven.

Peppermint Simmer Pot

Cool and refreshing with a candy-cane inspired aroma.
Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup peppermint leaves or a few peppermint tea bags

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 cups water

Steps to Make Peppermint Simmer Pot

• Bring water to a gentle simmer

• Add peppermint, lemon, and vanilla

• Simmer slowly to create a crisp, festive fragrance

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 0 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
A clean, minty aroma that instantly brightens your holiday space.

FAQ

What ingredients are best for Christmas simmer pots?

Classic holiday ingredients like oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and rosemary work beautifully. You can also experiment with coffee beans, pine, or extracts like vanilla and almond.

Do simmer pots make good gifts?

Yes! You can package the dry ingredients — like dried oranges, spices, and herbs — in jars or bags. Add a little tag with instructions, and you have a thoughtful, festive homemade gift.

Are simmer pots safe to leave unattended?

It’s best not to leave a simmer pot unattended on the stove. If you want a safer option, use a slow cooker on low instead.

Do simmer pots really make your house smell like Christmas?

Definitely! The combination of spices, citrus, and herbs fills your home with the same cozy, nostalgic scents we all associate with the holidays.