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As the days get shorter and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like making your home smell warm, cozy, and inviting. One of the simplest ways to do that? A simmer pot! These homemade blends of fruits, spices, and herbs simmer on the stove, filling your space with the comforting scents of the season.
Whether you’re getting ready for the holidays, preparing for guests, or simply want a little “me time” at home, these stovetop potpourri recipes are perfect for creating that magical fall and winter atmosphere. Here are some of my favorite simmer pot recipes to try this season!
If you want to print or save these recipes, enter your email and I’ll send you a PDF!
Let’s get started!
How to Make a Stovetop Simmer Pot
It’s super easy to get started:
1. Choose your favorite ingredients from the recipes below.
2. Fill a small pot with 2-3 cups of water and add the ingredients.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
4. Keep an eye on it and add more water as needed to prevent it from drying out.
Pro tip: You can also use a slow cooker to keep your simmer pot going for hours without having to refill the water as often! (a small one like this works great!)
Fall-Inspired Simmer Recipes
1. Warm Apple Pie
• 1 apple, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 whole cloves
• Optional: orange peel for a hint of citrus
This simmer pot smells just like a fresh apple pie baking in the oven. Perfect for cozying up with a blanket and a good book!
2. Pumpkin Spice Bliss
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (yes, the kind from a can works!)
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• Optional: a few pieces of ginger for added warmth
Nothing says fall like pumpkin spice. This simmer mix will make your home smell like a cozy fall cafe!
3. Crisp Autumn Leaves
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• A few sprigs of rosemary
With the earthy aroma of bay leaves and rosemary, this potpourri feels like a walk through the woods on a cool fall day.
Winter Holiday Simmer Recipes
4. Classic Holiday Spice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 5-6 whole cloves
• 1 star anise pod (optional)
• A handful of cranberries for a festive touch
The combination of orange and spices gives you that classic holiday scent we all know and love. It’s perfect for setting a festive, cozy mood.
5. Peppermint Wonderland
• 1 tablespoon peppermint extract or a handful of fresh peppermint leaves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 cinnamon stick for added warmth
This recipe is refreshing yet warm, just like a mug of peppermint hot cocoa. Perfect for freshening up your home after a busy holiday day.
6. Gingerbread Cookie
• 3 slices of fresh ginger (or 1 tablespoon ground ginger)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bring the scent of gingerbread cookies right to your kitchen! This potpourri is a lovely choice when you want that sweet-spicy aroma without baking.
7. Snowy Pine Forest
• 3-4 sprigs of fresh pine or fir (or a few drops of pine essential oil)
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• A few pieces of dried orange peel
This mix smells like a Christmas tree farm with a hint of citrus. Perfect if you love that fresh evergreen scent!
8. Christmas Morning Magic
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
This festive blend has everything you need to start the day off with cozy holiday vibes. It’s great for setting the mood on Christmas morning or any winter day.
Tips for Stovetop Simmer Success
• Refill often: Keep an eye on the water level, as it can evaporate quickly. Refill as needed to keep your potpourri going.
• Repurpose leftovers: If you have any unused citrus peels, fresh herbs, or spices, toss them into your simmer pot to avoid waste.
• Reuse your pot: Some simmer pots can be used for a couple of days. Just add a little more water and refresh any ingredients that have lost their scent.
Bonus: Download My Free Stovetop Simmer Guide!
Want to keep these recipes handy? Enter your email below, and I’ll send you a free Simmer Recipes Cookbook with all of these stovetop potpourri recipes in a beautifully designed PDF. Perfect for printing or keeping on your phone to use anytime!
Simply fill out the form below to get your free guide and start making your home smell amazing all season long!
Once the holiday aromas are filling your house, you’ll be ready to host guests! Be sure to check out my holiday cleaning prep guide to ensure you are ready!
With these simple recipes, you can enjoy a cozy and festive home with minimal effort. So, grab a pot, pick your favorite ingredients, and let the comforting scents of fall and winter take over! Happy simmering!