Christmas Simmer Pot Jars – Easy Homemade Christmas Gifts

Christmas simmer pot jars are a simple, beautiful homemade gift that makes the whole house smell like Christmas.

Fill little jars with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary, then add a ribbon and gift tag for a thoughtful present.

They’re perfect for neighbors, teachers, friends, hostess gifts, or anyone who enjoys a cozy, naturally scented home. They’re also easy to make in batches, so you can put together several gifts at once.

I love this kind of homemade Christmas project because it uses simple ingredients and has that old-fashioned, handmade feel that makes holiday gifts special.

What Is a Christmas Simmer Pot?

A simmer pot is a mixture of fragrant ingredients that are gently heated in a pot of water on the stovetop.

As the ingredients warm, they release their natural aromas and fill your home with a wonderful seasonal fragrance.

Unlike scented candles or commercial air fresheners, simmer pots use simple ingredients such as citrus, spices, and herbs.

A Christmas simmer pot usually includes oranges, cinnamon, cloves, and other warm spices. You can customize the ingredients to create your own favorite holiday fragrance.

Ingredients for Christmas Simmer Pot Jars

For each small gift jar, you’ll need:

• 2–3 dried orange slices
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 2–3 star anise
• 1 small handful dried cranberries
• 1 small sprig dried rosemary

You can adjust the amounts depending on the size of your jars. A pint-size mason jar works nicely, but smaller jars or clear cellophane gift bags are also pretty.

Optional Ingredients

Here are a few other ingredients you can add:

• Dried apple slices
• Dried lemon slices
• Dried bay leaves
• Whole allspice berries
• Dried juniper berries
• A pinch of ground nutmeg (best included in a small separate packet)

For another natural Christmas project, try making How to Dry Orange Slices for Christmas Decorations. Dried oranges are one of the prettiest ingredients to include in these gift jars.

How to Make Christmas Simmer Pot Jars

These jars take just a few minutes to assemble once your ingredients are ready.

Prepare the Ingredients

Make sure all of your ingredients are completely dry before assembling the jars.

If you’re drying your own oranges, allow them to cool completely before adding them to the jars. Any remaining moisture can cause mold during storage.

You can also use dried rosemary from your herb garden. If you have fresh rosemary growing, see my guide on how to dry rosemary for an easy way to preserve it.

Fill the Jars

Add the dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, dried cranberries, and rosemary to each jar.

Arrange the ingredients so the orange slices and cinnamon sticks are visible from the outside. This makes the jars look especially pretty when they’re displayed or wrapped as gifts.

Decorate the Jars

Wipe the rims of the jars and add the lids.

Tie a piece of ribbon, twine, or jute string around the top. You can add a small sprig of evergreen, a cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice for decoration.

Attach a gift tag with instructions for using the simmer pot.

Christmas Simmer Pot Gift Tag Instructions

You can print these instructions on a small gift tag and attach one to each jar.

Christmas Simmer Pot

Pour the contents of this jar into a small saucepan. Add 4–6 cups of water and bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce the heat to low and let the ingredients gently simmer, adding more water as needed.

Enjoy the wonderful Christmas fragrance!

Do not leave the simmer pot unattended. Keep it away from children and pets, and never allow the pot to boil dry.

Christmas Simmer Pot Variations

Once you make a few jars, you may want to experiment with different combinations. Here are some other seasonal simmer pot recipes to try.

Cranberry Orange Christmas Simmer Pot

• 3 dried orange slices
• 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 star anise

This combination has a bright citrus fragrance with warm cinnamon and spice.

Apple Cinnamon Simmer Pot

• 3 dried apple slices
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
• 1 small piece of dried orange peel

This is a wonderful combination for anyone who loves the smell of apple cider and cinnamon.

Rosemary Orange Simmer Pot

• 3 dried orange slices
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 small sprig dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 star anise

Rosemary adds a fresh, woodsy fragrance that pairs beautifully with orange and cinnamon.

More Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

If you enjoy making homemade gifts, there are several other simple projects you can put together for Christmas.

Homemade Herb Salts

Homemade herb salts are useful gifts for anyone who enjoys cooking. Try my collection of 8 Homemade Herb Salt Recipes for several different flavor combinations.

Rosemary Herb Salt

A small jar of homemade rosemary herb salt makes a thoughtful kitchen gift. Add a wooden measuring spoon and a pretty ribbon for a simple presentation.

Homemade Flavored Vinegars

You can also put together a gift basket with homemade herb vinegars. See my collection of 7 Homemade Flavored Vinegar Recipes for ideas.

These are all easy projects to make ahead of Christmas, especially if you enjoy giving gifts that are useful and homemade.

How to Store Christmas Simmer Pot Jars

Because these jars contain dried fruit and spices, they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Make sure every ingredient is completely dry before assembling the jars. This is especially important if you’re using homemade dried oranges or herbs.

Keep the jars sealed until you’re ready to give them as gifts. For best quality, use within a few months.

If you notice condensation, moisture, or any signs of mold, discard the contents.

Christmas simmer pot jars are one of those little homemade gifts that are inexpensive to make but feel thoughtful and special.

Fill a few jars, add a pretty ribbon and handwritten gift tag, and you’ll have a collection of lovely Christmas gifts ready for friends, neighbors, teachers, and family.

They’re a simple way to share a little homemade Christmas cheer!

Follow my gifts from the kitchen board on Pinterest.