These Simmer Pot Recipes smell incredible, look beautiful, and are SO easy to package for friends and neighbors. The cutest homemade gift!
author’s note
My Sister’s Cutest Holiday Tradition!
Every year, my sister makes different simmer pot recipes, packages them up so cute, and gives them to us during the holidays. And I look forward to them every single year!
Not only do they look so pretty, but I LOVE having a few in my fridge to throw on the stove when company is coming over. They make the entire house smell amazing with almost no effort!
I’ve loved getting these from her so much that I thought it would be fun to share how she makes them, along with all her cute packaging ideas!
Make your own simmer pot Recipes!
My favorite combo is dried oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and rosemary. It makes the whole house smell like Christmas!
But there are SO many ways to switch things up! Pick one or two ingredients from each category to create your own simmer pot recipes.
| Start with fruit | Add some spice | Finish with something fresh |
|---|---|---|
| Oranges | Cinnamon sticks | Rosemary |
| Lemons | Whole cloves | Thyme |
| Apples | Star anise | Mint |
| Cranberries | Fresh ginger | Basil |
| Pears | Cardamom pods | Lavender (culinary-grade) |
Quick Tip
Start small with the spices, especially cloves and star anise. They can take over quickly!
Everything you need to make & gift simmer pot Recipes!
Want to make a batch of these for neighbors, teachers, or friends? I’ve rounded up some of my favorite supplies to make gifting SO easy! From cute packaging to pretty pots, here’s everything you need!
- Clear Cellophane Bags: My favorite way to package these! They show off all the pretty ingredients, just like the bags I used for my reindeer hot chocolate gifts.
- Resealable Brown Bags: Such a cute option if you want something a little fancier!
- Mini Mason Jars: Perfect for packaging fully dried simmer pot ingredients.
- Velvet Ribbon & Bows: The easiest way to make these look extra special. I love a big red bow!
- Free Printable Stickers: I made two free printable graphics (red or orange) you can use for your simmer pot gifts! Just print on sticker paper, stick them on your bags or boxes, and you’re done!
- Mini Slow Cooker: This adorable little slow cooker is perfect for simmer pots! Such a fun gift paired with the ingredients.
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chelsea’s recipe tips
5 things I’ve learned about making simmer pots
- More ingredients don’t necessarily mean a better scent. I’ve found the best combinations use just a few scents that work well together.
- Fresh fruit is best for simmer pots you’ll use right away, while dried fruit is ideal for gifting ahead.
- Whole spices are best. Ground cinnamon and cloves can turn the water cloudy and leave residue in the pot.
- A wider pot helps release the scent. You don’t need anything fancy, but a gently simmering uncovered pot allows the fragrance to spread.
- Start with less water if you’re using a tiny pot. Just make sure the ingredients are covered, and keep adding water as needed.
Storage
Store these simmer pot recipes with fresh ingredients in the fridge for 1–2 days. For longer storage, use fully dried ingredients and keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
More Fun Holiday Gift Ideas:
Desserts
Christmas Sugar Cookie Kits
Desserts
Microwave Fudge Recipe
Desserts
Toffee Recipe
Desserts
Crockpot Candy
Simmer Pot Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 dried orange slices
- 1/3 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 whole star anise
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig about 4–5 inches long
Instructions
- How To Make: Add all ingredients to a small saucepan. Pour in 4–6 cups of water, enough to cover the ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Simmer uncovered, adding more water as needed. Never let the pot boil dry.
- Packaging For Gifting: Layer the cranberries, spices, dried oranges, and rosemary in a clear cellophane bag. Tie with a festive ribbon and attach a tag with the simmering instructions.
Recipe Notes
- Clear Cellophane Bags, Mini Mason Jar, or Resealable Brown Bags
- Velvet Ribbon & Bows
- Free Printable Stickers: Choose red or orange, print on sticker paper, and attach!
- Mini Slow Cooker: Perfect for simmer pots and makes a fun gift paired with the ingredients.
