5 Simmer Pot Recipes to Make Your House Smell Like Christmas
Want to create a festive atmosphere in your house this December? Try these Christmas simmer pot recipes for a cozy season–no candles necessary!
December can feel busy and overwhelming, but I’ve learned that even small moments of peace make a big difference. One of my favorite ways to slow down and create a cozy, Christ-centered atmosphere is by filling our home with scents that remind us of the season.
These natural simmer pot recipes bring warmth to your home—and a little reminder of the joy and stillness that Christmas is really about.
When you think of Christmas, what comes to mind? For me, it’s more of a feeling than anything else.
It’s cozy and warm and smells like pine and fresh-baked cookies. Unfortunately for me, my Christmas tree is artificial, and I can’t bake every day. So, the cozy scents of Christmas are sometimes lacking.
I love a good Christmas candle–especially the wooden wicks that crackle like a fire!
But sometimes, I want something more natural, and you can only burn a candle for so long. A couple of years ago I discovered the magic of simmer pots.
Now, I keep one going almost all season! It’s such a simple way to make our home feel warm and welcoming—a cozy reminder that peace often comes in the little things.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to Use a Simmer Pot
Simmer pots are super easy to use and easy to customize. All you need to do is add your ingredients to a pot with some water.
Then, turn it on to simmer! You can use a simple pot on your stove, and keep the heat turned on low.
However, I have a small crockpot that works perfectly for simmer pots. I’m able to use the same pot for several days. I just keep adding water so it doesn’t go dry.
If you choose to use a crockpot, please check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure it’s safe.
5 Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes
Skip the candles that are often filled with chemicals and try these natural recipes instead. They create a subtle scent that lasts for hours without an open flame.
1. Cozy Christmas Morning
If you could bottle up the spirit of Christmas, this is what it would smell like!
Ingredients:
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 4 cups water
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add water as needed to keep the pot from drying out.
Alternatively, place all ingredients into a slow cooker and turn the heat on low. Add water as needed to keep the pot from drying out.
Scent Profile: Citrus and warm spices with a fresh herbal twist.
2. Gingerbread House Delight
Want your house to smell like you’re baking cookies? This is the Christmas simmer pot recipe for you!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or 2 cinnamon sticks)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a pot and simmer gently. Stir occasionally to keep the spices from settling.
Alternatively, place all ingredients into a slow cooker and turn the heat on low. Stir occasionally to keep the spices from settling.
Scent Profile: Sweet, spicy, and reminiscent of freshly baked gingerbread.
3. Peppermint Candy Cane
Peppermint is so fresh and Christmas-y! This one will make you feel like you’re back at Grandma’s house.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 3 peppermint tea bags (or a handful of crushed peppermint candies)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A handful of fresh pine needles or a few drops of pine essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Steep tea bags in simmering water. Add vanilla and pine for a festive touch.
Scent Profile: Cool, minty, and refreshing with a hint of winter woods.
4. Winter Wonderland
You’ll feel like you’re taking a walk in a winter forest with this simmer pot with pine and bay leaves.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 2 sprigs of fresh pine or cedar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
Simmer all ingredients on low heat, adding water as needed.
Alternatively, place all ingredients into a slow cooker and turn the heat on low. Add water as needed to keep the pot from drying out.
Scent Profile: Earthy, crisp, and woodsy with subtle citrus notes.
5. Warm Apple Pie
Apple, cinnamon, and vanilla are classic scents and they’ll make your home smell like you’re baking pie. No oven necessary.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, sliced
- 4 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a pot and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally.
Scent Profile: Sweet, fruity, and spicy—just like a freshly baked apple pie.
Make Your Own Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes
These recipes are all simple, but they’ll give your home a festive air. You can use these recipes exactly as they’re written, or mix and match to create a scent you love.
Simmer pots are a great way to change the atmosphere in your home. Welcome family and guests alike with the scents of home.
You can also make your own Christmas simmer pots by mixing and matching some of the ingredients on this list.
The holidays can be busy, but your home doesn’t have to feel that way. Light a simmer pot, turn on some Christmas music, and take a deep breath.
As the scent fills your home, remember that this season isn’t about perfection—it’s about peace, joy, and celebrating the One who came to bring them both.
Looking for more ways to create a peaceful, joy-filled Christmas season? You’ll love my Peaceful Christmas Planner—it’s filled with simple routines and ideas to help you slow down and savor the season.
