A cozy winter simmer pot recipe is just what you need to elevate your home this holiday season.
Simmer pots are some of my favorite things to make on cold winter months.
The festive scents of cinnamon, fresh cranberries, and whole cloves will keep you coming back to this DIY time and time again.
This winter simmer pot is cost-effective and can replace a lot of the expensive seasonal candles that come out during this time of year.
You can even add it to your winter morning routine for a relaxing start to your day.
If you’re ready to make your home smell like the holidays with a few natural ingredients, keep on reading!
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What is a Winter Simmer Pot?
Close your eyes and imagine the perfect winter day.
Cold but cozy, an abundance of warm spices, nostalgic Christmas movies, and holiday cheer all around.
Winter simmer pots are all of these things personified.
Also known as stovetop potpourri, this magical DIY is made using water and a few natural ingredients, such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, cranberries, and orange slices.
Once you simmer everything in a pot, your home will smell amazing–and without using any artificial scents!
I make simmer pots every year during the holidays, and each new batch seems to be better than the last.
They’re such great additions to your home and will have everyone who visits asking what smells so divine.
The Benefits of Using Winter Simmer Pots
Not only do holiday simmer pots elevate your living space, but they help improve your mood and overall health.
The antioxidants in cranberries have been proven to improve cognitive functions.
The smell of citrus has the power to boost your mood and reduce stress.
And the comforting aroma of cinnamon can promote ultimate body relaxation.
Simmer pots are different from candles and diffusers, which can sometimes emit harmful chemicals into the air if you’re not careful of the ingredients they contain.
Instead, simmer pots use fresh fruit and other natural elements, making them a safer and healthier option for your home.
Also, they are usually are more cost-effective compared to candles or diffuser oils because you can easily refresh the ingredients throughout the week.
And I don’t know about you, but anything that keeps more money in my wallet is OK in my book!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Recipe
There are so many things to love about a winter simmer pot.
It’s natural and affordable, and the ingredients are easily found at your local grocery store.
And you probably already have them in your kitchen!
Reusable and environmentally friendly
Not only is this simmer pot recipe very easy to make, but it’s also reusable! You can recycle your simmer pot throughout the week to ensure your home stays fresh and cozy with holiday scents. This is a great way to save money and help the planet.
Incorporate into your self-care routine
I’m sure you know that self-care is important all year round, but especially so during the busy winter season. Taking a few moments for yourself each day can do wonders for your mental health, and this stovetop potpourri is a great addition to a calming self-care day.
🛒 Simple Winter Simmer Pot Ingredients
The ingredients are linked if you want to purchase them from Amazon.
I prefer to use fresh ingredients, but you can opt to use dried fruit or ground spices for your homemade potpourri.
I find that fresh ingredients are the best way to get a stronger scent.
- Cranberries
- Citrus slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Evergreen sprigs (pine or rosemary)
- Vanilla bean (optional)
- Whole cloves (optional)
- Star anise (optional)
- Bay leaves (optional)
- Water
🫕 How to Make a Winter Simmer Pot
Step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First, gently wash your cranberries and evergreen sprigs then place them aside.
Next, wash your citrus fruit and slice them into rounds.
To make this recipe, the main ingredients you need are cranberries, citrus fruit, cinnamon sticks, and evergreen sprigs.
Everything else is optional but would add some extra magic to your simmer pot.
You also don’t need exact measurements for this recipe.
Simply eyeball everything and customize it to your liking!
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Pot
Add your ingredients to your pot and cover them with 4-8 cups of water, depending on your pot size.
You want enough water to fully submerge everything so that your potpourri doesn’t burn.
Step 3: Boil, Simmer, and Enjoy
Place the pot on your stovetop (without a lid), set it to high heat, and bring it to a boil.
After a minute or so, lower the heat to a simmer.
At this point, you are done.
Let your potpourri simmer for a couple of hours on low heat, then relax and enjoy!
Keep an eye on your simmering pot and water level, adding more water if needed.
Even after you’ve turned your stove off, cozy, delightful scents will fill your home for the rest of the day.
📌 Related post: The Best Cozy Fall Simmer Pot
🎄 Holiday Variations & Add-Ons
Did you know it’s easy to customize your winter simmer pot recipes to whatever holiday vibe you’re going for (or whatever’s in your pantry)?
Try one of these blends below for some new recipe inspiration.
- Christmas Morning Blend – orange + cinnamon + vanilla bean
- Evergreen Forest Blend – pine + rosemary + cedar
- Cozy Winter Night Blend – apple + clove + nutmeg
📌 Something to note: If you don’t have vanilla bean pods, add a few drops of pure vanilla extract.
🎁 Tips for Storing or Gifting
Straining Method: Let things cool, strain the ingredients, and store them in a ziplock bag in the fridge. Reuse for up to a week by adding fresh water and reheating.
Pot Method: Leave everything in the pot, cover once cooled, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add water and reheat on the stove or in the slow cooker.
Cozy Home Gift: For an easy DIY holiday gift idea, add all of your dry ingredients and uncut fruit to a clear bag. Finish it off with a cute tie and name tag, and it’s ready to go!
Try This Simmer Pot Recipe Today!
A winter simmer pot is the natural way to make your entire home feel (and smell) festive this season.
Whether you create a Christmas simmer pot or customize it for any other holiday or celebration, this simple recipe is sure to bring warmth and coziness to any space.
Try this recipe yourself and leave a comment below on your favorite blend!
And don’t forget to incorporate this DIY into your winter morning routine to make the holidays extra special.
Peace, love, and good vibrations. ̴(•◡•)̴♡
