Fall Simmer Pot Recipe and Free Printable Gift Tag -

A glass jar with a lid, containing greenery and an orange slice, is topped with a striped ribbon and a tag reading Warm Fall Wishes on a light, marble-like surface.

Pumpkin Mini Bundt Cakes might be my favorite baked treat for fall, but when it comes to filling the entire house with cozy seasonal aromas, nothing beats a fall simmer pot. I’m always trying to find natural ways to infuse my home with the comforting scents of the season and simmer pots are one of my favorite ways to do that. They’re an easy way to create a cozy atmosphere, make your home feel warm and inviting and are perfect for gifting with a gorgeous free printable gift tag. Today I’m sharing my favorite fall simmer pot recipe, how to use it, tips for gifting, and alternate ingredient ideas to make it your own.

A hand holds a lidded jar with a striped ribbon and gift tag, above a bowl containing an orange, cinnamon sticks, pine sprigs, and spices on a light surface.

What Is a Simmer Pot and How Do You Use It?

A simmer pot, sometimes called stovetop potpourri, is a pot of water filled with whole spices, fresh ingredients, and seasonal add-ins that slowly simmer on low heat to release their fragrance. Unlike room sprays and air fresheners, simmer pots are a natural way to make your whole house smell like fall without the use of harmful chemicals.

To make one, simply add your simmer pot ingredients to a large pot or small pot, fill with fresh water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to low heat and let it simmer for a couple of hours, adding more water as needed to maintain the water level. The best part is that you can refrigerate your blend between uses and reheat it for up to three days, enjoying the cozy aroma again and again.

A glass jar filled with a small orange, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and herbs, topped with a striped ribbon and a tag, sits on a kitchen counter beside a sugar jar and kitchen utensils.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Simmer Pot Recipe

There are so many reasons simmer pots are one of my favorite things this time of year. They’re the easiest ways to make your home feel like sweater weather has officially arrived. The comforting scents of fall come alive in the kitchen, drifting through the entire home and creating an inviting atmosphere for family and guests.

Simmer pots are also a great idea for anyone who loves simple fall traditions. They use natural ingredients like cinnamon sticks, orange peels, star anise, and fresh herbs instead of toxic ingredients. They’re budget-friendly, customizable, and double as a thoughtful handmade gift that’s perfect for the holiday season.

What Pots Work Best for Simmering?

When it comes to choosing the best pot for your simmer pot blends, you have a lot of flexibility. I prefer using a small glass pot because it’s so pretty to see the combination of natural ingredients like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and orange slices floating in the water. Dutch ovens, small cocottes, or even a crock pot or slow cooker are also excellent options.

A glass pot with sliced oranges, rosemary, and spices simmers on a stovetop; a plate of orange slices and kitchen decor are visible in the background.

If using a crock pot or slow cooker, make sure to reduce the ingredients since the pot size and water level may differ from stovetop options. A Dutch oven is a great way to simmer for a long time, and glass pots allow you to enjoy the view of the simple ingredients as they infuse. No matter which option you choose, just be sure you always have enough water to prevent burning.

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Supplies for Fall Simmer Pot Gifts

Pot for simmering (glass pot, Dutch oven, slow cooker, or stovetop potpourri pot)
Glass jars with wooden spoons and lids or mason jars
Baker’s twine or ribbon
Card stock or paper for printing
Free printable gift tag
Scissors

Ingredients for Cozy Fall Simmer Pot

6 cinnamon sticks
6 star anise
6 dried orange slices or 1 fresh orange cut into thin slices
3 tablespoons whole cloves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
3 sprigs fresh rosemary

A person holds a glass bottle of homemade vanilla extract with a white label, next to a sheet of similar labels on a marble surface. The bottle contains dark vanilla beans and has a swing-top cap.

Make Easy Homemade Vanilla Extract

I shared all the details aobu your own homemade vanilla extract in this post! It’s so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it before now!

get the details

A marble tray holds dried orange slices, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Behind it are two glass jars with sugar and brown sticks, all arranged on a white countertop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Slice the orange if you’re using fresh orange slices or gather your dried ingredients.

Step 2: Add ingredients to the pot

Place the cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, rosemary, and optional pumpkin spice or vanilla into your pot of water.

Step 3: Add water to the pot

Pour in enough water to cover the simmer pot ingredients.

Step 4: Bring to a boil

Set the pot on the stove top and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer on low heat

Once boiling, reduce to low heat and let the cozy fall aroma fill your home. Maintain enough water to keep at least 2–3 cups in the pot to prevent burning.

After use, allow the pot to cool. You can refrigerate the simmer pot in a mason jar or airtight container for up to three days and reheat as needed.

How to Gift Simmer Pots with Printable Tags

One of my favorite ways to use this fall simmer pot recipe is by gifting it. Handmade gifts are so personal and this is a great hostess gift or party favor during the holiday season.

A person holds a jar decorated with a striped ribbon and a tag that reads Warm Fall Wishes. Behind, there are dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise on a marble surface, creating a cozy autumn vibe.

Free Printable Gift Tags

Make your gift extra special with this free printable gift tag. Super easy to download, print and gift!

download the printable here

A glass jar filled with dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks, tied with a striped ribbon and a tag reading Warm Fall Wishes. Other similar jars are blurred in the background on a white surface.

Arrange the simmer pot ingredients in a specialty glass jar or mason jar, layering whole spices and smaller ingredients at the bottom, then standing cinnamon sticks and orange slices in the middle. Tie baker’s twine or ribbon around the jar and attach my free printable gift tag for the perfect finishing touch. Printable tags make your gift look thoughtful and elevated with very little effort.

A hand holds a glass mug filled with dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks, with more dried oranges, star anise, and cinnamon sticks blurred in the background.

A marble tray holds dried orange slices, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Nearby are cards labeled Warm Fall Wishes and a jar filled with similar spices, with a wooden lid resting beside it.

A hand holds a glass cup filled with dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks, with more dried oranges and cinnamon arranged on a plate in the background. A wooden spoon rests inside the cup.

Alternate Ingredients and Fun Variations

This simple simmer pot recipe is so versatile, and you can swap in your favorite fall scents depending on what you have on hand. Try:

Fresh apple slices or dried apples for an apple pie inspired aroma
Apple cider or apple juice in place of some of the water for a stronger apple scent
A sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a more intense cinnamon fragrance
Bay leaves for depth and earthy fall stovetop potpourri notes
Essential oils like orange, clove, and vanilla for an easy way to boost fragrance

The best part is that you can create custom simmer pot blends for each time of year using your favorite scents.

Looking for more simmer pot ideas?

This post has some of my favorite simmer pot recipes to fill your home with the amazing aroma of natural ingredients!

Check it out

A cozy, vintage-style kitchen features jars of flour and brown sugar, bundles of tied herbs, glass containers, utensils, oven mitts, a wall clock, and decorative plates arranged neatly on white shelves.

Tips for Success

Always keep enough water in the pot to avoid burning the ingredients.
Simmer on low heat for the longest lasting aroma.
Use fresh water when reheating stored simmer pots for the best way to refresh the scent.
Store leftovers in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Never leave your simmer pot unattended on the stove top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a crock pot or slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, a slow cooker or crock pot works wonderfully for this potpourri recipe. Just adjust the water level and simmer pot ingredients to the pot size.

How long should I let my simmer pot run?
A couple of hours is usually enough to fill your entire home with fall scents, but you can let it simmer all day as long as you maintain enough water.

Can I make these ahead of time as gifts?
Absolutely. Simply add your simmer pot ingredients to a mason jar or airtight container and gift with printable tags. These are one of the easiest ways to make a great hostess gift.

Can I reuse the simmer pot?
Yes. Let it cool, store in the refrigerator, and reheat within three days.

Simmer pots are one of my favorite fall traditions and such a great way to create a cozy aroma in the entire home during the holiday season. This fall simmer pot recipe is filled with simple ingredients, fresh herbs, and whole spices that will give your home that comforting home feel of sweater weather. With printable tags, they’re also one of the easiest ways to create thoughtful handmade gifts for friends and family.

I would love to know if you try this fall simmer pot recipe. Tag me on social @returninggrace or leave me a comment here on the blog to share your favorite fall simmer pot blends. Be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a new recipe, seasonal DIY, or free printable gift tag.