As soon as the air cools down after our long Texas summers, I’m ready for all the cozy fall vibes. Fall has always been my favorite season—maybe because it’s my birthday season, maybe because the kids come home from college for the holidays, or maybe just the way the leaves change and the crisp air makes everything feel new again.
One of my favorite ways to bring that cozy fall feeling into our home is with simmer pots.
A simmer pot (sometimes called stovetop potpourri) is simply a mix of fruit, herbs, and spices gently simmered in water. The steam fills the house with natural fragrance—without any of the toxic chemicals hiding in store-bought candles or sprays.
I especially love a simmer pot because it lets me use up what I already have. Citrus peels that might’ve gone in the trash? Into the pot they go. Apple cores, extra herbs, even a scrap of ginger root—it’s funny what you start “recycling” once you get into simmer pots. Nothing wasted, everything cozy.
The best part? I can start a pot in the morning, and my house smells amazing and welcoming all day long, until I turn it off at bedtime. It’s become a little ritual, and I have so much fun playing with new recipes and finding fresh combinations.
Here are some of my favorite fall simmer pot recipes, the ones that make my home feel warm, cozy, and perfectly autumn.
Classic Cozy Fall
Smells like apple pie baking—comfort in a pot.
- 1 apple, sliced
- Peel of 1 orange
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
Pumpkin Spice Kitchen
Because fall without pumpkin spice? Not happening.
- Pumpkin scraps or 1–2 tablespoons dried pumpkin cubes (Yes, that’s a thing—and it’s Pinterest-level genius, because not everyone’s carving a pumpkin on a Tuesday.)
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- A splash of vanilla extract
Crisp Autumn Forest
Fresh and woodsy, like taking a fall hike through the trees.
- 2 sprigs rosemary or pine clippings
- Peel of 1 lemon
- A handful of dried juniper berries (optional)
- 3–4 whole cloves
Sweet & Cozy Chai
Spicy and warm—like curling up with your favorite chai latte.
- 2–3 slices fresh ginger
- 2 star anise
- 4–5 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
Citrus Clean Morning
Bright and uplifting—perfect after a busy week.
- Peel of 1 grapefruit (or 2 oranges)
- 1 lime, sliced
- A handful of fresh mint or thyme sprigs
- 2 cinnamon sticks
How to Make a Simmer Pot
- Fill a medium saucepan or small crockpot halfway with water.
- Add your ingredients.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce to low.
- Keep an eye on the water level—add more as it evaporates.
Pro tip: Save the cooled blend in the fridge overnight and re-simmer the next day. When you’re done, toss the scraps in your compost.
Why Simmer Pots Are My Fall Must-Have
- They’re non-toxic and family-friendly.
- They make use of scraps—like citrus peels—so nothing goes to waste.
- They fill the house with fragrance all day long.
- They’re fun and creative—I love trying new combos.
My Fall Simmer Pot Shopping List
If you want to stock up on the basics for simmer pots, here are some of my favorite staples I always keep in my kitchen:
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- Cinnamon Sticks
- Whole Cloves
- Star Anise
- Dried Pumpkin
- Cardamom Pods
- Dried Juniper Berries
- Dried Orange Peel
- Mini Crockpot (for all-day simmering without the stove)
- Glass Jars for Gifting Simmer Pot Blends
Tip: You don’t need all of these at once—just start with what you love and add more as you go. These staples last forever in your pantry.
Every time I make one, my whole home feels a little cozier. And honestly, when the kids walk in from school or back home from college and say “Wow, it smells amazing in here,” that’s all the confirmation I need.
So if you’re looking for a natural, budget-friendly way to soak in all the fall vibes, simmer pots are it.
And if you love cozy fall scents, don’t miss my Fall Diffuser Blend Recipes for even more ways to make your home smell like autumn—naturally.
xo Marla Kay