Festive Holiday Simmer Pot Recipe To Enjoy And Gift
The holiday season is here, and there's no better way to share the warmth and joy of Christmas than with a handmade gift like a Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar. Combining fresh ingredients, rustic charm, and the cozy scents of the season, (kind of like my romantic vintage Christmas tree) this beautiful jar not only looks festive but fills the entire house with the comforting aromas of winter and the holidays.
This gift is simple, affordable, and flexible, you can use what you have on hand or what's seasonal to your area. Tuck it into a basket with fresh bread or gift it solo. This is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season. I love it simmering in the background why working on things like these hot cocoa spoons that are also perfect for gifting.
Quick Look: Festive Holiday Simmer Pot
⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
🍲 Simmer Time: 4-5 hours (topping up water as needed)
🕰️ Total Time: About 5 hours
🫙 Yield: 1 quart jar (or 2 pint jars)
💰 Cost: Around $2-$3 per jar
🍊 Aroma Profile: Bright citrus, warm cinnamon, and fresh evergreen notes
🎁 Skill Level: Beginner-friendly & perfect for holiday gifting
🌿 Key Ingredients: Dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, rosemary, cranberries, and star anise
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Jump to:
- Quick Look: Festive Holiday Simmer Pot
- Why You'll Love This Natural Stovetop Potpourri
- Ingredients & Customizable Aromatherapy Mix-Ins
- 3 Cozy Christmas Simmer Pot Combinations
- Instructions
- Making The Jar Labels & Cricut Tips
- Substitutions & Variations
- Equipment
- Storage & Reusing Tips
- Top Tip
- FAQ Making This Simmer Pot
- Final Thoughts from the Homestead
- More Festive Holiday Inspiration
- Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar
Why You'll Love This Natural Stovetop Potpourri
- Reduces Food Waste: Excellent way to use up extra fruit scraps, orange peels, apple slices, or lingering whole spices from last holiday season.
- Non-Toxic Air Freshener: Unlike candles, synthetic room sprays, or plugin air fresheners, simmer pots use 100% natural spices, fruit, and herbs for a clean, non-toxic home fragrance.
- Budget-Friendly Gifting: You can make several jars for just a few dollars each using bulk spices, dehydrated citrus, or foraged evergreen sprigs.
Ingredients & Customizable Aromatherapy Mix-Ins
The beauty of a simmer pot is that there are no strict rules! You can build your jar using a base of citrus + warm spice + woodsy greenery, then customize with cozy pantry extras.
1. Bright Citrus Bases (Pick 1 to 2)
- Dried Orange Slices or Peels: The classic choice for sweet, uplifting holiday warmth.
- Dried Lemon Slices: Adds a sharp, clean, freshly scrubbed brightness to the room.
- Grapefruit or Lime Peels: Gives a zesty, energizing citrus twist that cuts through heavy winter cooking odors.
- Apple Slices or Dehydrated Apple Rings: Creates a sweet, cozy base that smells like baking in a farmhouse kitchen.
2. Warming Whole Spices (Pick 2 to 4)
- Whole Cinnamon Sticks: The ultimate cozy baseline for any holiday blend.
- Whole Cloves: Deep, rich, and traditionally festive-a little goes a long way!
- Whole Allspice Berries: Adds a complex scent that bridges clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Star Anise Pods: Beautiful inside the glass jar with a subtle, sweet licorice note.
- Cardamom Pods (Green or Black): Adds an exotic, warm, herbal-spiced depth.
- Whole Nutmeg Seeds: Grate slightly or drop in whole for a creamy, eggnog-style sweetness.
- Ginger Slices (Fresh or Dried): Gives a sharp, zesty kick that opens up sinuses on cold winter days.
3. Foraged Evergreens & Herbal Notes (Pick 1 to 2)
- Rosemary Sprigs: Looks like mini pine trees in the jar and releases a piney, herbal scent.
- Foraged Pine, Cedar, Fir, or Spruce Needles: Clip fresh sprigs from a winter walk to capture that real Christmas tree smell.
- Juniper Berries: Adds a crisp, woodsy gin-and-tonic style freshness.
- Bay Leaves: Adds a subtle, savory herbal undertone that grounds the sweeter spices.
- Eucalyptus Leaves: Perfect for a spa-like, refreshing winter blend that clears the air.
4. Festive Pops of Color & Sweet Finishers (Pick 1 to 2)
- Fresh or Dried Cranberries / Goji Berries: Adds vibrant holiday red to the jar presentation.
- Vanilla Bean Pods or Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, bakery-sweet warmth (smells like sugar cookies or warm pie!).
- Almond Extract (A few drops): Pairs beautifully with orange and cinnamon for a sweet marzipan aroma.
- Pineapple Slices (Dried): For a tropical, sunny holiday twist.
3 Cozy Christmas Simmer Pot Combinations
- The Classic Farmhouse Christmas: Dried orange slices + cinnamon sticks + whole cloves + fresh cedar sprigs + cranberries.
- Cozy Apple Pie & Vanilla: Dried apple slices + cinnamon sticks + whole nutmeg + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract + star anise.
- Fresh Winter Forest & Citrus: Dried lemon & lime slices + rosemary + pine sprigs + juniper berries + eucalyptus.
Instructions
Assembling these simmer pot jars takes only 5 minutes. Here's how I put together my Christmas simmer pot jars.
- Dehydrate or Gather Fresh Botanicals: Ensure your orange slices and herbs are prepped. If making long-lasting gift jars, use dried fruit slices and dried herbs so they store shelf-stable without spoiling.
- Layer the Base: Start by adding the larger items to your quart mason jar-place dried orange slices along the glass sides and tuck cinnamon sticks upright inside.
- Add Whole Spices: Sprinkle in the whole cloves, allspice berries, star anise pods, and optional cardamom pods so they nestle between the citrus slices.
- Tuck in Greenery & Berries: Slide fresh or dried rosemary sprigs (or foraged evergreen branches) down into the jar, then add a handful of bright red cranberries on top.
- Attach Label & Ribbon: Seal the jar with its lid. Tie a piece of rustic jute twine or festive ribbon around the neck, and attach a printable label or gift tag with simmering instructions.
- Simmer on the Stovetop: To use, empty the contents of the jar into a small pot, Dutch oven, or mini slow cooker. Cover with 3 to 4 cups of water and simmer on low heat, adding fresh water as needed as it evaporates.
Eryn's Gifting Hint: This recipe fills one 1-quart mason jar, which provides enough botanicals for one long all-day simmer or two shorter sessions. If you prefer smaller gifts, split the recipe between two 1-pint jars-just ensure each pint jar gets at least 2 orange slices and 2 cinnamon sticks for a rich fragrance!
Making The Jar Labels & Cricut Tips
A sweet label turns a simple mason jar into a boutique-worthy gift! I designed a custom Cricut label with easy simmering instructions that you can grab and print for your own jars.
- Printing Tip: I use my Cricut Maker with full-sheet printable sticker paper. Print the design using your home printer, then let the Cricut cut out the perfectly shaped round labels using the "Print Then Cut" feature.
- No Cricut? No problem! Print the design onto standard cardstock, punch a small hole in the corner, and tie it around the jar neck with twine.
Substitutions & Variations
- Sweet Vanilla Spice: Add a pod of whole vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract directly into the pot once simmering.
- Fall Stovetop Potpourri: Swap the evergreen for dried apple slices, pumpkin pie spice, and a splash of vanilla extract for a scent that smells like fresh apple pie.
- Bright Citrus Blend: Use dried lemon and grapefruit peels with fresh bay leaves and rosemary for an uplifting winter blend.
Equipment
- 1-Quart Mason Jar (or 2 Pint Jars): Clear glass allows the colorful layers of citrus, berries, and evergreen to shine through.
- Small Dutch Oven or Saucepan: For stove-top simmering.
- Mini Slow Cooker / Crockpot: The best hands-free method for simmering all day without worrying about quick evaporation!
- Twine & Sticker Paper: For decorating and labeling your gift jars.
Storage & Reusing Tips
- Shelf-Life for Gifting: Jars made with 100% dried citrus and dried herbs will keep on the shelf in a cool, dark pantry for up to 6 months. If using fresh cranberries or fresh evergreen sprigs, instruct the recipient to use the jar within 1 week (or keep refrigerated until use).
- Reusing the Simmer Pot: Don't throw the potpourri out after one day! Cool the pot, cover it, and keep it on the stove (or store the liquid in the fridge overnight). You can re-simmer the same mixture for 2 to 3 days, simply topping it up with fresh water each morning.
Top Tip
Never let the pot run dry! Set a timer on your phone or stove every 60-90 minutes to check the water level. As the pot simmers, the water evaporates into steam (releasing the scent), and if the water burns off completely, the spices will scorch and ruin the wonderful aroma.
FAQ Making This Simmer Pot
You can reuse a simmer pot for up to two or three days. Let the mixture cool after each use, store it in the refrigerator, and add fresh water before reheating. The scent will fade slightly with each simmer, so replace ingredients once the fragrance weakens.
Keep jars in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. If your ingredients are dried, they'll keep for several months. If you're using fresh fruit or herbs, refrigerate and use within a week.
A small saucepan, Dutch oven, or slow cooker all work great. The goal is gentle heat and enough water to prevent burning. A small crock pot on the lowest setting is perfect for hands-free simmering.
Yes! You can assemble dried simmer pot jars several weeks before gifting. Just be sure to seal them tightly and include a tag with simple simmering instructions for the recipient.
Final Thoughts from the Homestead
Handmade gifts like this holiday simmer pot are such a charming, thoughtful way to share the warmth of the season. Simple to assemble and beautiful in the jar, it's the kind of gift that fills not just an entire house with incredible holiday fragrance, but a heart with joy.
. If you assemble a batch of these gift jars for your neighbors or friends, I'd be tickled to see them, tag me on Instagram so I can share in your holiday crafting!
Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar
Equipment
- Large Pot or Saucepan - For simmering the ingredients and releasing the scent throughout your home.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups - To portion out spices and ingredients accurately.
- Glass Jars with Lids - Pint or quart-sized jars work best if you're gifting the simmer pots.
- Canning Funnel (optional) - Makes layering and packing ingredients into jars neater.
- Twine or Ribbon - To tie around the jar for a decorative finish when gifting.
- Gift Tags or Labels - For writing simmering instructions or a personal note.
Ingredients
- 2-3 dried orange slices or orange peels
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1-2 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches cedar, fir, juniper, or pine work great!
- 1-2 whole star anise pods
- 1 small handful of cranberries or goji berries for color
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cardamom pods or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin with the larger items like orange slices and cinnamon sticks, then layer in the cloves, star anise, and cranberries for pops of color. Finally, tuck in the rosemary or evergreen branches for a festive, natural touch.
- Choose the Right Jar: Pint-sized jars or other clear glass jars with lids work best. They allow the beautiful ingredients to shine through, making the jar a gift in itself.
- Add a Label or Tag: Use a gift tag or label with simmering instructions:"Pour the contents of the jar into a large pot, stock pot, or slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and simmer on low heat. Keep an eye on the water level, adding fresh water as needed. Enjoy the cozy, natural aroma!"
- Finish with a Decorative Touch: Tie twine or ribbon around the jar lid, and add a sprig of greenery, a mini cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice to complete the look.
What do you print the labels on from Cricut? Are they label sheets?
Hi there! For this project I used my Cricut Maker, which is a cutting machine that works like a little helper for crafts — it can cut paper, vinyl, sticker sheets, fabric, and more using designs you create or upload.
For these labels, I printed the design on full-sheet printable sticker paper (just one big sticker sheet), and then the Cricut Maker used its “print-then-cut” feature to cut them into perfectly shaped labels. So yes — they start as a label sheet, and the Cricut does the precise cutting for you.
Beautiful idea for a budget friendly gift. Can you tell me how many jars this recipe makes?
Hi Lisa!
Each simmer pot jar makes one quart, which is enough for one long simmer or two shorter simmering sessions. If you’re gifting them, plan on 1 quart jar per gift. They smell amazing and go a long way once water is added. 🙂 You can also instead make them into two pint jars. Just make sure you have at least 2 orange slices in each and at least 2 cinnamon sticks!
Do you use black or white cardamomum?
Either works! Pick the one that goes visually best with your other ingredients. 🙂
This simmer pot is such a charming gift idea—simple to assemble, beautiful in the jar, and it makes the whole house smell like Christmas. I love the tip to add a tag with instructions and the reminder to keep the water topped up. I’m making a batch for neighbor gifts and tucking a loaf of bread alongside. Cozy, thoughtful, and budget-friendly!