There’s something magical about the scent of fall filling your home. Before the leaves have even started changing color, I’m already craving the warm aroma of cinnamon, oranges, cloves, and vanilla drifting through the house.
While I love lighting a cozy fall candle, they can get expensive to replace, especially if you burn them every day like I do. That’s why I started making this easy fall simmer pot recipe years ago, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to make our home feel warm and welcoming.
Using just a handful of simple pantry ingredients, you can create a natural stovetop potpourri that smells just as wonderful as your favorite autumn candle—without any artificial fragrances. Whether you’re decorating for fall, hosting Thanksgiving dinner, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this simmer pot is guaranteed to make your entire house smell amazing.
Why You’ll Love This Fall Simmer Pot
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- An inexpensive alternative to candles
- Naturally fragrances your entire home
- Perfect for fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving
- Ready in just a few minutes
- Easily customized with your favorite seasonal ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 bags mulling spices
Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh cranberries
- Apple slices
- Star anise
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh ginger slices
- Nutmeg
How to Make a Fall Simmer Pot
Fill a small or medium saucepan with about six cups of water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Once the water begins to warm, add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, orange slices, vanilla extract, and the mulling spice bags.
Bring everything to a gentle simmer before reducing the heat to low. Allow the mixture to slowly simmer throughout the day, adding additional water whenever the level begins to get low. Never allow the pot to boil dry.
Within minutes your kitchen—and eventually your entire home—will be filled with the comforting scents of autumn.
What Is Mulling Spice?
Mulling spice is a blend of warm spices traditionally used for mulled cider and wine. Most grocery stores carry it during the fall season, usually near the spices or baking aisle.
It typically contains ingredients like:
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Allspice
- Orange peel
- Nutmeg
Many brands come packaged in convenient tea bags, making cleanup quick and easy.
Tips for the Best Simmer Pot
- Keep the heat low so the mixture gently simmers.
- Refill the pot with water as needed throughout the day.
- Refrigerate the ingredients overnight and reuse them the next day by simply adding fresh water.
- Try adding fresh cranberries or apple slices for an even richer fall fragrance.
- For a stronger vanilla scent, add another teaspoon of vanilla after several hours.
Fall Simmer Pot Variations
Apple Cinnamon
- Apple slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Vanilla
- Nutmeg
Cranberry Orange
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Rosemary
Pumpkin Spice
- Cinnamon sticks
- Orange slices
- Cloves
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla
Cozy Cabin
- Pine sprigs
- Orange slices
- Cinnamon
- Star anise
- Cloves
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I simmer a fall simmer pot?
You can safely simmer it for several hours as long as you continue adding water whenever needed.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place all of the ingredients into a slow cooker, fill with water, leave the lid slightly cracked or off, and cook on the LOW setting.
Can I reuse the ingredients?
Absolutely. Store everything in the refrigerator overnight and use it again the next day by adding fresh water.
Can I freeze simmer pot ingredients?
Yes. Combine all of the fresh ingredients in a freezer-safe bag and freeze until you’re ready to use them. Simply thaw slightly, add to water, and simmer.
More Cozy Fall Ideas You’ll Love
Final Thoughts
One of my favorite things about fall isn’t the decorations or even the cooler weather—it’s the way home feels. There’s something so comforting about walking through the front door and being greeted by the warm scent of cinnamon, oranges, cloves, and vanilla gently simmering on the stove.
This simple fall simmer pot has become a tradition in our home every autumn, and I hope it becomes one in yours, too. It’s easy, inexpensive, and one of the simplest ways to make your entire house feel cozy all season long.
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