Christmas stovetop simmer spices fill your home with the warm, inviting scents of the holiday season. This simple blend of fragrant spices and citrus creates a natural, cozy aroma that makes any room feel festive.
These simmering spices are also an easy, thoughtful gift during the holidays — pair them with a printable gift tag for a quick, handmade present.
Handmade gifts are meaningful and budget-friendly. If you have teachers, neighbors, coworkers, or friends to spoil this season, homemade stovetop simmer spices are a practical, attractive option that’s easy to prepare in batches.
What are simmer spices?
Simmer spices are aromatic ingredients that you heat gently in water so their natural oils and fragrances are released into the air. Common components include cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, citrus peels, and fresh cranberries, but many variations are possible.
Simmering these ingredients on the stove or in a slow cooker fills your home with a layered, natural scent that feels warm and seasonal without relying on candles or artificial fragrances.
Why I love this recipe
Stovetop potpourri is a healthy, inexpensive way to scent your home. It’s customizable, safe to use while entertaining, and perfect for gifting when packaged with simple instructions.
These simmer spices are also a great DIY hostess gift: inexpensive to assemble, attractive to present, and useful for anyone who enjoys a welcoming home scent.
Ingredients
- Citrus: orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, or tangerine (use peels or slices)
- Whole nutmeg
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
Other ingredients to try include fresh rosemary sprigs, pine needles, apple slices, bay leaf, or mint for different seasonal scents.
Step by step
To prepare the simmer spices for gifting, combine citrus peels or slices with whole nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Place the mixture in small jars or gift bags for a polished presentation.
Assemble the spices into cellophane bags or mason jars and finish with a ribbon or twine and a simple instruction tag that explains how to use them: add a handful to a pot of water, simmer gently, and top up with water as needed.
Tips for Best Results
- Buy spices in bulk from warehouse stores or bulk spice suppliers to save money when making multiple gifts.
- Use a slow cooker or electric warmer when entertaining to keep the scent circulating without leaving a stove on for long periods.
Click here to print Stovetop Simmer Tags!