The first cool breeze of fall makes me want to cozy up at home. Warm cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and orange slices simmering away on the stove top are the best way to bring those fall scents indoors.
This pumpkin spice simmer pot recipe is one of my favorite fall potpourri recipes. It’s easy, affordable, and fills your whole home with a rich, spicy aroma.
It’s also a thoughtful gift idea. With a few simmer pot ingredients, a pretty ribbon, and my printable tags from Etsy, you can create the sweetest housewarming or Thanksgiving hostess gift. I’ve made versions for Christmas and Valentine’s Day, and people loved them.
What Is a Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot, also called simmering potpourri, is like nature’s air freshener. You add fruit, herbs, and rich spices to a pot of water, bring it to a gentle boil, and then turn it down to a simmer.
As the mixture warms, the aroma drifts through your home. It’s a cozy alternative to candles, sprays, or plug-in air fresheners.
I love using my small copper pot, but any pan will work. Just keep an eye on the water levels if you use a smaller pot. For a long-lasting simmer without refilling, a Dutch oven is perfect.
Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot Ingredients
Here are the ingredients used in this cozy fall simmer pot recipe:
- Small pot (I used a copper pot but you can also use a Borosilicate glass pot or a slow cooker)
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1–2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (tsp)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 10-12 whole cloves
- 4–6 cups of water (or enough to cover ingredients in the pot)
You can also add 1 tbsp pumpkin puree or even apple slices for extra fall flavor and aesthetic. All the ingredients used are affordable purchases from Walmart, with the exception of the ones I already had. Shopping at Walmart helps keep this recipe budget-friendly.
How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot
- Slice oranges and place in your pot of choice. If you are using a larger pot double or triple this recipe.
- Add cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves.
- Measure and add pumpkin spice and nutmeg
- Add water until it covers the mixture. Stir the ingredients together.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to the lowest simmer and let it gently steam.
Check water levels often and refill as needed. If you want your whole home to smell longer, try doubling or tripling the recipe and using a larger pot.
What Does It Smell Like?
This simmer pot doesn’t smell exactly like pumpkin pie. Instead, it has a spicy, citrusy aroma from the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, and orange. It’s warm, inviting, and makes your house smell like fall in the best way.
For a stronger pumpkin scent, add 1 tbsp pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie filling, or pumpkin peel. A splash of vanilla extract also softens the mixture with a sweet note.
Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot Gift Idea
Simmer pots make the prettiest fall gifts. Place a whole orange, a few cinnamon sticks, and the dry ingredients into a small bag or jar. Tie it with a piece of autumn-colored ribbon – I love using orange-and-white gingham.
Here are all the supplies needed to make the bags except for the Etsy printable tags.
Print my Etsy gift tag, punch a hole in the corner, and thread the ribbon through. The tag provides instructions on how to simmer the ingredients, allowing your recipient to enjoy it right away.
These gifts are perfect for coworkers, neighbors, teachers, or Thanksgiving hostess gifts. Affordable purchases like this feel thoughtful but don’t break the budget.
Also, check out these creative simmer pot gift ideas for even more inspiration. They’re simple, fragrant, and make the sweetest homemade gifts for the holidays.
More Fall Simmer Pot Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this cozy fall stovetop potpourri recipe, try one of my other simmer pot recipes:
These blends use apples, citrus, and herbs to create more natural fall scents for your home. They’re simple potpourri recipes that make your house smell wonderful.
Final thoughts
Whether you keep it simmering for yourself or wrap it up as a gift, this pumpkin spice simmer pot recipe is a cozy way to bring the season indoors.
The mixture of orange peel, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and pumpkin pie spice will make your whole home smell like fall. Also, consider adding your ingredients to a slow cooker. This is great because it won't take up space on your stove if you are cooking.
If you want to watch a video showing how to make this simmer pot, check out my Instagram post here.
Don’t forget to save this idea on Pinterest so you can come back to it whenever you’re ready to fill your house with fall scents.
Happy Autumn!
