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A gingerbread scented Christmas simmer pot recipe. Made with vanilla, brown sugar, and warm winter spices, this holiday simmer pot offers a natural, chemical-free substitute for candles and artificial fragrances.
Why Make This Gingerbread Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe?
If you’ve been following this blog for awhile, you probably already know how much I love simmer pots. Made by gently cooking herbs, flowers, and spices in a large pot of water, these DIY fragrance pots offer a natural alternative to artificial room sprays, candles, and potpourri. Some of my past favorites include this citrus simmer pot, and my simmer pot with rose petals.
Nothing says “festive” quite like the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven, and one of the best ways to capture that scent (without making a gingerbread house) is this gingerbread Christmas simmer pot. Featuring a mix of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, juniper berries, and cloves, accented by notes of brown sugar and vanilla, this recipe creates an inviting scent that will linger for hours. It’s like stepping into a bakery…or maybe into Santa’s workshop!
Christmas Simmer Pot Ingredients
To make this gingerbread simmer pot, start by gathering the following ingredients:
- Ginger – You’ll need 75 grams of fresh ginger (one piece, about three inches long), cut into 1/4-inch slices. No need to spend time peeling—just toss it in the pot, peel and all!
- Whole Spices – You’ll need cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg (not ground), whole cloves, and juniper berries.
- Dark Brown Sugar – The sugar helps to mimic the deep, molasses undertones of the classic gingerbread scent. Feel free to substitute light brown sugar, muscovado sugar, or Demerara sugar instead.
- Vanilla – For maximum vanilla scent, I recommend using a real vanilla pod, but a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste will work in a pinch.
What is the Best Pot for Making a Holiday Simmer Pot?
You’ll need a large pot and a stovetop. I prefer to use a heavy-bottomed stock pot, but you can also make this gingerbread simmer pot in a medium saucepan. To make a smaller simmer pot, simply reduce the ingredients and water so everything fits in the pan with a few inches of room at the top.
Re-Using Your Gingerbread Simmer Pot
After you’ve assembled and enjoyed this simmer pot, you can save and re-use it 1-2 more times. To save your simmer pot for later, remove the pot from the stove and cover the it with a lid, then top up with fresh water when ready to re-use.
Simmer Pot Safety
Never leave the simmering pot unattended. I always stay in the same room so I can keep an eye on the stove, and can top up the simmer pot with additional water as needed. Don’t allow the pan to run dry, and avoid using it when there are kids or pets nearby.
Simmer pots are meant to be smelled, not eaten! Although the ingredients are natural, I don’t recommend eating or drinking the contents of the pot. Once you’re done enjoying the gingerbread scent, use a fine mesh strainer to drain the liquid, then dispose of the water-logged fruit, herbs, and spices with your regular trash, or add them to your compost bin.
Other simmer pot recipes you might enjoy:
Spring Simmer Pot Recipe
Citrus Simmer Pot Recipe
Rose Simmer Pot Potpourri
And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!
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Gingerbread Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 simmer pot 1x
Description
A gingerbread scented Christmas simmer pot made with vanilla, brown sugar, and warm winter spices.
Ingredients
75 grams fresh ginger, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces (3-inch piece fresh ginger)
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole nutmeg
15 whole cloves
1 tablespoon whole juniper berries
30 grams dark brown sugar (2 tablespoons, packed)
1 vanilla pod, split, or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Gingerbread cookies, to garnish
Instructions
Fill a large saucepan or stock pot with water, allowing a few inches of at the top to add your ingredients.
Add all ingredients to the pot.
Bring to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Simmer over low heat for as long as desired, topping up with additional water as needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Miscellaneous
- Method: Stovetop