12 Fall And Winter Simmering Pot Recipes To Make Today (2024)

It’s time to make your house smell amazing! Using a simmer pot to boil spices, orange peels, sliced apples, and more is an easy and natural way to fill your home with festive fall and holiday fragrances.

Many of those amazing-smelling fall-scented candles you can find on almost every store aisle this time of year have petroleum-based ingredients. As good as those candles may make my house smell, I try to steer clear of petroleum-based products in my home, as much as possible.

When I want my house to smell like fall, I turn to simmer pot recipes and essential oils to get the job done, in a healthier, more inexpensive way!

12 Fall And Winter Simmering Pot Recipes To Make Today (1)

“A change of season calls for a change of scent that is both energizing and refreshing.” — Hannah Bronfman

Confession time: I have this fear that a guest will walk into our home and say, “What is that horrible smell?”.

Read this amazing post on DIY Fall Scents, to make your home smell like fall. It turns out that nature has some pretty fabulous-smelling spices, herbs, and foods that will make your home smell just the way you want it to for fall and the holidays.

What Are Simmer Pot Recipes?

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If you are wondering “what is a simmer pot?”, I completely understand!

Basically, it’s a bubbling stovetop potpourri. You can use a traditional simmer pot that you buy at the store, a crockpot, or if you are home, then make it on the stove (on low heat).

What to Put in Your Simmer Pot

Toss orange peels, spices, and more into a pot of water on the stove, then turn the pot on, and let it simmer. Before you know it, your pot of simmering fruits, spices, etc add fragrance to every single room in your home.

This is a natural and fun way to dress up the scent of your home. They are addictive, trust me!

Also, check out these orange peel hacks, they will blow your mind!

I am always up for trying new simmering pot recipes that will make our home smell amazing. With so many possible simmer pot combinations, the fragrance options are nearly endless.

Simply toss the ingredients into a pot, add water, turn on your stove, and rich, warm, spice-filled scents make your home very inviting!

Once you have exhausted the obvious things to use as homemade potpourri, then you can try one of these sweet smelling ideas

Best & Easy Simmer Pot Recipes for Autumn

These simmer potpourri recipes will fill your home with delicious smells and a few other benefits, as well. Find your new favorite sweet smelling recipe down below.

This vast variety of simmering pot recipes will truly transform your home. There’s something for everyone on this list, so you will easily find a mix the entire family will love.

1. Cold and Flu Fighting Stovetop Potpourri

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This simmer pot recipe is great to simmer on the stovetop when someone in your home is sick. It’s comforting, soothing, and healing to the body as you breathe it in.

Citrus, rosemary, clove, cinnamon, and eucalyptus are an unbeatable germ-fighting combination and are often found together in essential oil blends. This stovetop recipe is a great way to stay healthy over the winter months!

2. Fall Crock Pot Recipe forPotpourri

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Simmer pots aren’t just for the simmer pots. Check out this easy, chemical-free autumn slow cooker simmer pot recipe. Instead of the stove, they created their simmer pot in the slow cooker. Using the slow cooker means you don’t have to replenish the water supply quite as often.

I love this idea and the ingredients—apples, oranges, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon sticks. This combination will surely dress up the scent of your home this year.

And if you store it in an airtight container when you’re not actively simmering it, it will last for as long as four days!

3. Citrus Scented Simmer Pot

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Get a burst of energy with this citrus simmering pot recipe. The orange and ginger together add an invigorating fragrance that is so fresh and clean. Pop the mixture into a pretty mason jar, and you have a beautiful gift you can share!

This recipe is not only perfect for the fall, it’s great for any time of the year.

4. Stovetop Potpourri with Pears

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This pear apple simmer pot recipe is really good! You get that sweet, fruity aroma, paired with the warm and comforting scent of clove and cinnamon. As an alternative to simmering it in a pot, you can also use it as a dry potpourri.

This is one of my favorite fall simmering potpourri recipes. And it would make a splendid gift for someone who loves the scents of fall and winter!

5. Fragrant Homemade Potpourri with Dried Fruit

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Give the gift of dried fruit and spices so that loved ones can put it in a pan with water to create their own simmer pots for their homes this season.

Homemade potpourri makes a great gift that is thoughtful, affordable, and unique. You can customize the potpourri in many different ways to match your loved one’s favorite scents.

6. Holiday Simmering Potpourri Recipe

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Get ready for the holidays with a festive citrus simmer pot recipe. Cloves, anise, dried oranges, and more give this a citrus and spiced scent. And it’s so easy to make!

If you want to give this potpourri mix as a gift, there are printable gift tags that explain to the receiver how to use their gifted simmer pot ingredients!

7. DIY Christmas Potpourri for Your Simmer Pot

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This homemade potpourri includes a free printable label to use to create your own gift of simmering potpourri. The red cranberries add a beautiful touch of holiday color. And the lovely, long-lasting fragrance is the perfect addition to your home this holiday season.

As a bonus, this potpourri simmer pot recipe is perfect for holiday get-togethers! You can leave it simmering in the background, adding a comforting element to your gathering.

8. Winter Pine Simmering Pot

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Oh, I love this winter simmering pot recipe. It really feels like you bring the outdoors in, as the pine scent plays off of the spices and citrus. It’s a simple way to make your home smell amazing, and you’re doing so without the use of harmful chemicals.

If you have an artificial tree, this is a homemade potpourri recipe you definitely want to use to give your home the feeling of a real, live Christmas tree.

9. Stovetop Potpourri Idea

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This stovetop potpourri is not only super pretty, but it will make your home smell like Christmas in minutes. She even shares tips on how to give this as a gift to loved ones. They’ll love the scents of orange, cranberry, cloves, and cinnamon!

10. Homemade Orange Spice Potpourri

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Orange spice potpourri is a very popular scent, as oranges work really well in a simmering pot, and they help bring out the fragrance of the spices you used to go with it. This potpourri is another simmer pot recipe that would make an excellent Christmas gift for a loved one.

11. Fall Simmer Pot Recipe

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This fall simmer pot recipe gives you a hint of apple, cinnamon, clove, and more. Ahhhh, I can smell it right now!

It’s an amazing combination that helps to give your home a holiday season vibe in just a few minutes. You’ll want to mix up a batch this afternoon!

12. Simmering Christmas Potpourri

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Can’t wait till Christmas? I get it! This simmering pot Christmas recipe uses a handful of citrus fruits, cranberries, and more to really capture the scents of the season.

If you put up an artificial tree, but miss the smell of a real live tree, this recipe will more than make up for it!

Simmer Pot Recipes to Make Your Home Smell Amazing This Fall & Winter

Aren’t these simmer pot recipes simply beautiful to look at? Not only do they look amazing, but they will make your house smell unbelievably fragrant and festive.

Simmer pot recipes are an easy way to sprinkle the fragrance of the season throughout every room in your home. I love that it takes minimal effort–beyond dumping a few household ingredients into a kitchen pot, and covering them with water. It’s a simple, cost-effective, and healthy way to enjoy the wonderful scents that make fall and winter so special.

Since there is such a wide variety of ingredients in each of these recipes, you are sure to find a favorite for every member of your family. You can use a citrus blend one day, and a pine blend the next. You can easily vary the scent based on your mood, the temperature outdoors, or the activities you have going on that day.

Which of these simmer pot blends are you most excited about trying first?

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More Fall Fun Ideas From One Crazy House:

  • 15 Farmhouse-Style DIY Fall Decor Ideas Anyone Can Make
  • Ultimate Fall Activities For the Entire Family
  • 16 Fun Things to do With The Family This Fall
  • 19 Decadent Recipes to Pumpkin Spice Up Your Taste Buds
  • Stunning Fall Wreaths That Are Easy to Make
12 Fall And Winter Simmering Pot Recipes To Make Today (2024)

FAQs

How long does a fall simmer pot last? ›

If there are no fresh fruit slices in your recipe, simply turn off the stove and cover the pot with a lid in between uses. Reheat when you need another dose of stovetop potpourri. According to the Happier Homemaker, with this method, your simmer pot can last four days.

What items are best for simmer pot? ›

CLASSIC SIMMER POT INGREDIENTS
  • Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, lime.
  • Apples.
  • Cranberries.
  • Cinnamon sticks.
  • Whole cloves.
  • Nutmeg.
  • Rosemary.
  • Pine or other conifers.
Nov 30, 2022

How many times can you simmer a simmer pot? ›

Depending on what ingredients you've used in your simmer pot, you can reuse the same one for several days! If you've included fruit in your recipe, then it's best to use that pot for only 1 day.

How do you make a simmer pot for sickness? ›

Ingredients and Directions:

Combine 1 liter of water, 5 orange slices, 1 tbsp whole cloves, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a large pot. Place on a wood stove, or simmer on your stovetop. Breathe deep (if you can!) and enjoy the fragrant steam.

Can you put pine needles in a simmer pot? ›

Notes. Here are some other ingredients you can consider using in your pots: star anise, cranberries, lemons, ground ginger, pine needles, essential oils, bay leaves, fresh herbs. Don't Forget to Pin Simmer Pots!

Are simmer pots beneficial? ›

Benefits of a Simmer Pot

The ingredients used in simmer pots, like cinnamon, ginger, and citrus fruits, not only emit a comforting fragrance but also bring with them an array of health benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced immune function, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Can I use ground cinnamon instead of sticks for a simmer pot? ›

Here's what you're going to need:

And to give it a nice, rich aroma, you'll need: 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon), 2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Can you reuse a simmer pot the next day? ›

It is possible to reuse a simmer pot a second time. To reuse, drain water from the simmer pot ingredients. After the ingredients are drained and have cooled, store them in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, depending on what ingredients you used.

How to make your house smell like cinnamon? ›

Cinnamon Sticks

They're a classic potpourri spice for good reason — a few sticks in a simmering pot of water will make your entire home smell like you've got cinnamon rolls baking.

Do you put a lid on a simmer pot? ›

Keep the lid on if you want to bring something to a simmer or a boil for two reasons. "One, heat escapes through an open lid, so it would take longer for water to come to a boil," says Ronna Welsh of Purple Kale Kitchenworks.

Is it quicker to simmer with lid on or off? ›

You can simmer with the cookware lid on or off, simply follow your recipe instructions. Keep in mind that when using a cover, you'll want to set your stovetop to a low setting as it can reach a simmer faster than without a cap. When you're not using a lid, adjust your stovetop setting to medium.

What to put in a pot to make a house smell good? ›

Bring a saucepan of water to a boil, then add ingredients like apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, cranberries, nutmeg, vanilla, and more, and keep the water at a simmer to fill your home with a beautiful autumnal aroma.

Can you leave a simmering pot unattended? ›

Never leave the simmering pot unattended. I always stay in the same room so I can keep an eye on the stove, and can top up the simmer pot with additional water as needed. Don't allow the pan to run dry, and avoid using it when there are kids or pets nearby. Simmer pots are meant to be smelled, not eaten!

What can I boil to purify air in my house? ›

Place 2 cups water in a 1-quart pot, boil, then add:
  1. 1 lemon, cut into thin slices.
  2. 3 sprigs rosemary.
  3. 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
  4. 1 tablespoon orange zest.
Dec 28, 2022

What to boil in water to make a house smell good? ›

Homemade Simmering Spices
  1. 5 cups water.
  2. 2 navel oranges, peeled.
  3. 1 apple, sliced in half.
  4. 3 cinnamon sticks.
  5. 3 star anise.
  6. 1 teaspoon-sized knob of fresh ginger.
  7. 1 teaspoon cardamom pods.
  8. 1 teaspoon whole cloves.
Nov 27, 2013

Can I use essential oils in a simmer pot? ›

A teaspoon of vanilla extract also makes a simmer pot smell divine; or, add a few drops of your favorite therapeutic essential oils to create a custom scent. To start your simmer pot, fill a small pot halfway with water and stir in your spices, herbs, peels, or fruits.

Can I put ground cinnamon in a simmer pot? ›

I swear, simmer pots are the BEST air freshener. Better than any spray, oil, or candle I have ever bought. The simplest method, and my go-to, is to grab a small saucepan, fill it with water, and toss in a few cinnamon sticks (or a few vigorous shakes of ground cinnamon).

Can you put pinecones in a simmer pot? ›

I would have never thought to use pine cones in a simmer pot, but apparently you can! Add in apples & cinnamon & your house will smell amazing for the holidays!

Can you use a crock pot for a simmer pot? ›

Simmer pots, or stovetop potpourri, can be made in the crockpot too!

Are simmer pots healthier than candles? ›

No Chemicals. Those store-bought air fresheners and candles might smell nice, but they're packed with chemicals that aren't so great for us or the environment. Simmer pots, using natural ingredients like herbs and fruits, offer delightful scents without any of those harmful additives—no chemicals, just pure goodness!

Do you bring simmer pots to a boil first? ›

Simmer pots are basically potpourri in a pot! Some people refer to them as stovetop potpourri. You choose your ingredients, put them in a pot with water, bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and let it do its thing. They couldn't be any easier, just be sure you don't let your pot boil dry!

Do simmer pots add moisture to the air? ›

Simmer pots are sometimes called stovetop potpourri. Basically it's a simmering pot of citrus, spices, and other things to make your house smell amazing. It's a natural way to freshen your home without chemicals. And if you live in a dry climate, it also adds a little moisture and humidity to the air.

Can you leave a simmer pot unattended? ›

Never leave the simmering pot unattended. I always stay in the same room so I can keep an eye on the stove, and can top up the simmer pot with additional water as needed. Don't allow the pan to run dry, and avoid using it when there are kids or pets nearby. Simmer pots are meant to be smelled, not eaten!

How long does stovetop potpourri last? ›

Keep an eye on the pot and add more water as needed. Your holiday spice stove top potpourri will last 3-5 days depending on how long it simmers. The Mason jars will help keep your dried ingredients fresh and having all the portions ready to go makes this a lovely gift idea.

How do I make my house smell like fall in a pot? ›

Bring a saucepan of water to a boil, then add ingredients like apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, cranberries, nutmeg, vanilla, and more, and keep the water at a simmer to fill your home with a beautiful autumnal aroma.

Should a simmer pot be covered? ›

Simmering and Boiling

In the event that your goal is to keep moisture in—like when your pot of soup, stew, or sauce is already at the right consistency, but you want to keep cooking the vegetables and melding the flavors—leave the lid on to keep any more liquid from evaporating.

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