If you’re dreaming of filling your home with that warm, cozy holiday scent without lighting a candle, then you’re going to absolutely love this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe. It’s an easy, customizable way to bring festive aromas straight into your kitchen, and trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked. I’ve gifted these jars before, and nobody can stop talking about them—not only do they smell incredible, but they make the prettiest presents.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simply layer ingredients in a jar—no cooking required until simmering.
- Customizable Scents: You can swap or add spices and herbs based on your favorite holiday aromas.
- Great as Gifts: These jars look stunning and smell heavenly, perfect for gifting friends and family.
- Long-Lasting Aromas: With dried ingredients, your simmer pot can be used for days, making your home smell festive nonstop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the heart of your Christmas simmer pot. They blend beautifully to evoke that classic holiday feeling — spicy, citrusy, and woodsy. I always recommend using a mix of dried and fresh ingredients where possible to balance longevity and vibrant freshness in scent.
- Dried orange slices or orange peels: Adds bright, citrus notes and looks gorgeous layered in the jar.
- Cinnamon sticks: A holiday staple that lends warmth and sweetness to your simmer scents.
- Whole cloves: These little spices pack a punch and add a deep, spicy aroma that’s unmistakably festive.
- Allspice: Offers a rich, warm background note that complements cinnamon and cloves perfectly.
- Fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches: Adding a piney scent transports you straight to a Christmas tree farm.
- Whole star anise pods: For an exotic, licorice-like aroma that pairs well with citrus and cinnamon.
- Cranberries or goji berries: Little pops of red to brighten the jar and make it extra festive.
- Optional spices – cardamom pods or pumpkin pie spice: These bring an extra layer of warmth and complexity if you want to get creative.
Variations
I love switching things up every year depending on what I have in my pantry or what scent I’m in the mood for. Try making this recipe your own by experimenting with your favorite combinations—you’ll find it’s pretty forgiving and fun to personalize.
- Fruity Variation: I once swapped orange peels for lemon and tossed in some apple slices—it smelled like a fresh apple orchard this way!
- Winter Woods: Adding fir or cedar branches really amps up the pine scent, giving your kitchen that crisp forest vibe we associate with the holidays.
- Spicy Twist: A dash of pumpkin pie spice or a few cardamom pods turns your simmer pot into a cozy, dessert-like aroma that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- Herbal Focus: If you’re not keen on strong sweetness, you can emphasize herbs like rosemary and bay leaves for a woodsy, less sugary scent.
How to Make Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients Beautifully
Start by placing your larger ingredients at the bottom of your pint-sized jar. I usually begin with dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks—they not only smell amazing but create an inviting visual base. Next, sprinkle in the cloves, allspice, and star anise pods evenly. Toss in a small handful of cranberries or goji berries for pops of festive color. Finally, carefully tuck in the rosemary or your evergreen sprigs, pushing them down so they stand upright or lean gently to the sides. This method creates a layered look that’s as delightful to see as it is to smell.
Step 2: Seal and Dress Up Your Jar
Once all your ingredients are in place, screw on the lid tightly. Here’s where creativity shines—I like tying rustic twine around the lid and slipping in a small cinnamon stick or a dried orange slice under the bow to add that extra holiday flair. Don’t forget to attach a label or tag with simmering instructions so your gift recipient (or future you) knows exactly how to use their jar. It’s these small touches that make the jar a charming present or a pretty statement piece on your counter.
Step 3: How to Use the Simmer Pot
When you’re ready to fill your home with that festive aroma, just pour the jar’s contents into a large stock pot or slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and simmer on low heat for hours. I keep an eye on the water level, topping it up as needed so nothing burns. You’ll notice your space filling with a delicate, natural fragrance that feels like Christmas wrapped in a cozy blanket.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe
- Use Dried Ingredients for Longevity: I discovered this trick because fresh citrus and herbs spoil fast; dried versions last weeks and still smell fantastic.
- Keep Water Level in Check: I used to forget this, and my pot scorched once—so always watch the water level while simmering.
- Layer for Visual Appeal: Arranging the ingredients thoughtfully means the jar looks beautiful even before opening—great for gifting!
- Slow Cooker for Hands-Free Simmering: This lets me enjoy holiday scents without hovering over the stove, plus it’s safer and energy-efficient.
How to Serve Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe
Garnishes
Although this isn’t a food recipe to serve, I love adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or a mini cinnamon stick alongside the jar when gifting or displaying. It amps up the rustic, festive vibe and invites folks to dig into the jar for their own simmering magic.
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas simmer pot experience with some cozy holiday traditions—maybe a batch of freshly baked cookies or a mug of spiced cider nearby. The scent complements those treats perfectly and gets everyone in the spirit of the season.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve gifted these jars tucked inside a woven basket along with a wooden spoon and a festive mug for a lovely holiday bundle. Another time, I wrapped the jar in clear cellophane with a big velvet ribbon and attached a handwritten note—so personal and charming. You can also hang them by the kitchen window to delight guests as soon as they walk in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my prepared simmer jars in a cool, dark cupboard until I’m ready to use them. The dried ingredients keep really well this way for several weeks. If you include fresh herbs or fruit, try to use the jar within a couple of days and store it in the refrigerator to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe since some fresh ingredients can get mushy or lose their scent. I recommend making smaller batches to enjoy fresh or gifting rather than freezing leftovers.
Reheating
If you want to reuse your simmer pot mixture, just cool it after simmering, refrigerate it covered, and the next day pour it back into your pot with fresh water. The aroma will fade gradually after a couple uses, so swapping in fresh ingredients occasionally keeps the scent lively.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh ingredients instead of dried in the Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use fresh orange slices and herbs like rosemary, but they have a shorter shelf life in the jar. I recommend refrigerating a fresh version and using it within a day or two to avoid spoilage. Dried ingredients will keep your simmer pot lasting weeks or even months.
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How long can I simmer the pot without the scent fading?
You can usually simmer the pot safely for several hours, but you’ll want to keep water topped up to prevent burning. I find the strongest aroma lasts for 2-3 days of daily simmering, but you can refresh scents by adding some fresh spices or citrus slices as needed.
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Is the Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe safe to leave unattended?
For safety, it’s best not to leave your simmering pot unattended on the stovetop because the water can evaporate quickly and cause burning. I recommend using a slow cooker on low heat for a safer, hands-off experience.
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Can this recipe be made in larger batches?
Yes! You can easily scale this recipe up to fill several jars or one large container for bigger gatherings or more prolonged scent enjoyment. Just keep the ingredient ratios similar and ensure you have a big enough pot or slow cooker for simmering.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe fills my home with seasonal cheer without any fuss or fire hazard. It’s a simple way to bring your favorite holiday smells to life and share that magic with others. Whether you’re keeping it for yourself or gifting it to friends, this simmer pot is always a conversation starter and mood-lifter. So grab a jar, gather your ingredients, and let your kitchen become a winter wonderland of scent this season—trust me, you won’t regret it!
Print
Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 quart jar
- Category: Beverages & Simmer Pots
- Method: Simmering (Stovetop/Slow Cooking)
- Cuisine: American
Description
Create a cozy, festive aroma with this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar recipe, a perfect natural air freshener that fills your home with seasonal scents like orange, cinnamon, cloves, and evergreen. This easy, non-cooking simmer pot can be gifted or reused to bring warmth and holiday spirit into any space.
Ingredients
Simmer Pot 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)
- 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 by placing the larger aromatic ingredients such as the orange slices and cinnamon sticks at the bottom of your pint-sized clear glass jar. Next, add the whole cloves, star anise pods, and scatter the cranberries or goji berries for a burst of color. Finally, tuck in fresh or dried rosemary or your choice of evergreen branches to complete the festive look.
- Choose the Right Jar: Select pint-sized clear glass jars with lids to showcase the beautiful layering of fragrant ingredients. The transparency of the jar turns it into a ready-made gift that looks as inviting as it smells.
- Add a Label or Tag: Attach a decorative gift tag or label with simmering instructions for the recipient or yourself: “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 embellish with a sprig of greenery, a mini cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice. This final step adds charm and makes your simmer pot jar a beautiful holiday gift or display for your home.
Notes
- Water Level: Ensure there is always enough water covering the ingredients while simmering to prevent burning. Check periodically and replenish water as necessary.
- Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients: Dried citrus and herbs last longer in storage, but if using fresh, consume the simmer pot blend within 1-2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Customizations: Substitute or add lemon peels, apple slices, bay leaves, cardamom pods, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, or a splash of vanilla extract for varying aromas.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries should be refrigerated and used within a week, though dried cranberries offer a longer shelf life.
- Simmering Methods: Use a large pot, Dutch oven, small saucepan, or slow cooker. For convenience, a small crock pot on low heat allows hands-free simmering.
- Reusable Ingredients: You can reuse the cooled mixture by refrigerating it and adding fresh water, though scent potency diminishes after 2-3 uses.
- Safety Tip: Never leave the simmer pot unattended on the stovetop due to risk of water evaporation and ingredient burning.
- Seasonal Variations: Alter seasonal ingredients like adding apple slices and pumpkin pie spice for fall, or more evergreen sprigs for winter.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Use leftover citrus peels from other recipes to reduce waste and add vibrant aroma to your simmer pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quart pot
- Calories: Approximately 15 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
