If you love filling your home with cozy, nostalgic holiday scents without the artificial stuff, then you’re in for a treat with this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe. Trust me, this is one of those little festive wonders that instantly transforms your space with warm, natural aromas and makes a beautiful gift too. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and so customizable—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe year after year when the holidays roll around.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Natural Holiday Aromas: This simmer pot fills your home with genuine festive scents using simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Perfect Handmade Gift: Packaged in a jar, it’s an easy and thoughtful present that anyone will appreciate during the holidays.
- Customizable and Eco-Friendly: You can tweak ingredients to your liking and use leftover citrus peels to reduce waste.
- Easy to Prepare: Requires just a few minutes to assemble, letting the simmering magic do all the work over time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe comes down to layering cozy spices with fresh and dried botanicals that bring out the season’s essence. I like to pick good-quality whole spices and a mix of dried and fresh herbs to get the best aroma.
- Dried Orange Slices or Orange Peels: Adds a bright citrus note and beautiful pops of color inside the jar.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Classic festive aroma that warms up any room instantly.
- Whole Cloves: Their strong, spicy scent blends perfectly with cinnamon and orange.
- Allspice: Brings subtle hints of nutmeg and pepperiness to deepen the fragrance.
- Fresh or Dried Rosemary or Evergreen Branches: I love using fir or cedar for that authentic Christmas forest vibe.
- Star Anise Pods: Infuses a faint licorice note that’s a fun twist on traditional holiday smells.
- Cranberries or Goji Berries: A small handful adds a festive red touch and a light fruity scent.
- Optional Cardamom Pods or Pumpkin Pie Spice: For an extra cozy, slightly exotic aroma you might want to try.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often swap out ingredients depending on what I have on hand or to match different holiday themes.
- Using Lemon or Apple Slices: I tried apple instead of orange once and it gave a sweeter, warmer aroma that reminded me of apple cider.
- Adding Bay Leaves or Vanilla Extract: For a subtle twist, these add complexity and sweetness to the simmer pot scent.
- It’s Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: Since it’s just herbs and spices, anyone can enjoy it, and you can skip anything that doesn’t suit you.
How to Make Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients Thoughtfully
Start by placing your largest items like the dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks at the bottom of your jar, so they have room and shine through the glass. Then, sprinkle in your cloves, allspice, and star anise pods, spreading them evenly. Lastly, tuck in your rosemary or evergreen sprigs and cranberries—this layering not only looks beautiful, but it also helps the aromas blend and release evenly when simmered.
Step 2: Choose the Perfect Jar
I like using pint-sized clear glass jars because they show off the pretty layers inside—plus, they come with lids to keep everything fresh until it’s time to simmer. The jars can be reused or gifted, making this recipe a thoughtful and pretty homemade present.
Step 3: Add a Label with Simmering Instructions
Include a handwritten or printed tag with clear instructions—something like, “Pour the contents into a large pot or slow cooker, add enough water to cover, then simmer on low, replenishing water as needed.” That way your giftee won’t be guessing. I discovered that simple labels really help people enjoy the simmer pot without hassle.
Step 4: Finish with a Decorative Touch
Tie some twine or a festive ribbon around the jar’s neck. I usually add a small cinnamon stick or a mini dried orange slice right into the bow for that extra holiday charm. It’s these little details that make the jar feel special and gift-worthy.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe
- Keep Water Topped Up: I’ve learned that checking the water level every 30 minutes while simmering prevents burning and keeps the scent fresh.
- Use a Small Slow Cooker for Hands-Free Scenting: It’s safer and saves you from having to babysit your simmer pot on the stove.
- Fresh Ingredients are a Delight—but Use Quickly: If you use fresh rosemary or orange slices, they smell amazing but only last about 1-2 days before needing replacement.
- Don’t Leave Unattended: Never leave your simmer pot unattended on stovetop heat to avoid overheating and potential hazards.
How to Serve Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish my simmer pot with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a star anise pod when serving it as a gift or displaying it before simmering—it adds that professional, festive look and the scent gets even stronger.
Side Dishes
While simmering your pot, I love enjoying it alongside classic holiday snacks like gingerbread cookies, spiced nuts, or even a warm cup of mulled cider. It turns simple gatherings into sensory celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, I’ve wrapped the jars in brown paper and twine with a sprig of fresh pine tucked in. You can also nestle your jar inside a small basket filled with complementary treats like teas and homemade cookies—guaranteed to make the recipient smile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you make more than one jar or have leftovers, keep the unsimmered jars sealed in a cool, dry spot. If you’ve started simmering the mixture, you can refrigerate the cooled contents in a covered container and reuse it within a couple of days, just adding fresh water each time.
Freezing
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the simmer pot ingredients once assembled in the jar—fresh herbs and dried fruit can lose texture when frozen. Instead, keep the dry ingredients stored separately in airtight bags or containers until ready to assemble.
Reheating
When reheating, just add your simmer pot contents back into a pot with fresh water and simmer gently on low. It’s best to avoid boiling so the aromas stay rich and don’t turn bitter.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh citrus instead of dried for the Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh citrus like orange or lemon slices add a brighter, juicier fragrance. Just remember that fresh ingredients will only last about 1-2 days in the jar before they might spoil or lose their scent, so plan to simmer fairly soon after assembling.
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How long can I reuse the simmer pot mixture once it’s started simmering?
You can reuse the cooled mixture by simply adding fresh water and simmering again, usually 2-3 times before the aroma fades. After that, it’s best to make a fresh batch to keep the scent lively and strong.
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Is this simmer pot safe to leave simmering overnight?
For safety, I recommend never leaving the simmer pot unattended or simmering overnight unattended on the stove. Using a slow cooker with a low setting and automatic shut-off feature is a safer alternative for longer scenting sessions.
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Can I add other spices or fruit to customize my Christmas Simmer Pot?
Definitely! Adding apple slices, cardamom pods, pumpkin pie spice, or even vanilla extract can give your simmer pot a unique twist. Experiment and find the combo that feels like your perfect holiday scent.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe fills my home with warmth and festive cheer without any extra fuss. Whether you gift it to a friend or make it just for yourself, it’s a little ritual that turns simple moments into lasting memories. So grab your favorite jar and spice blend, and let the cozy aromas of the season take over your kitchen—trust me, you’ll want to make this a holiday tradition!
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: Beverage Infusion
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar recipe combines a festive blend of dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, rosemary or evergreen branches, star anise, and cranberries to create a warm, natural holiday aroma. Perfect as a cozy gift or for your own seasonal ambiance, this simmer pot fills your home with delightful scents while being easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2-3 dried orange slices or orange peels
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
Herbs and Spices
- 1-2 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches (cedar, fir, juniper, or pine)
- 1-2 whole star anise pods
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cardamom pods or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Fruit and Color
- 1 small handful of cranberries or goji berries for color
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin by placing the larger items such as dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks at the bottom of your jar. Next, add the cloves, star anise pods, and cranberries or goji berries for vibrant pops of color. Finally, gently tuck in the rosemary or evergreen branches to give the blend a festive and natural touch.
- Choose the Right Jar: Select pint-sized jars or other clear glass containers with lids. These allow the beautiful mix of ingredients to be visible, making the jar itself a charming gift or decoration.
- Add a Label or Tag: Create a gift tag or label with simmering instructions to accompany the jar. Include directions such as: “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 and add fresh water as needed. Enjoy the cozy, natural aroma!”
- Finish with a Decorative Touch: Tie twine or ribbon around the lid of the jar, adding a sprig of greenery, a mini cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice for an extra festive and personalized finish.
Notes
- Water Level: Always maintain enough water in your simmer pot to prevent burning the ingredients. Check regularly and add fresh water as necessary.
- Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients: Dried citrus slices and herbs have longer shelf life, but fresh ingredients can be used for a stronger aroma. Fresh blends should be used within 1-2 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Customizations: Feel free to substitute or add ingredients such as lemon peels, apple slices, bay leaves, cardamom pods, or pumpkin pie spice. A splash of vanilla extract can add a dessert-like scent.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries should be refrigerated and used within a week. Dried cranberries can be stored for longer periods.
- Simmering Methods: This recipe works well on the stovetop in a large pot, Dutch oven, or small saucepan, and also in a slow cooker on low for hands-free simmering.
- Reusable Ingredients: After simmering, store cooled ingredients in the fridge and reuse with fresh water the next day. The scent potency will lessen after 2-3 uses.
- Safety Tip: Never leave a simmer pot unattended on the stove to avoid water evaporation and burning the mixture.
- Seasonal Variations: For fall, add apple slices and pumpkin pie spice. For winter, include more evergreen sprigs.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Use leftover citrus peels or fruit scraps to minimize waste and add more fragrance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quart jar serving
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
