Fill your home with cozy autumn scents—no cookies required—by simmering a pot of fall-inspired spices, fruits, and secret ingredients all day long!

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fall drifting through your home—except maybe the smell of fresh-baked cookies.

But let’s be honest, you can’t simmer cookies in a pot all day (although that would smell amazing).

That’s where a fall simmer pot comes in!

It’s an easy, cozy way to fill your home with all the scents of autumn—think cinnamon, apples, oranges, and a few secret ingredients that make everyone ask, “What’s that amazing smell?”

Grab your pot, toss in these simple ingredients, and let the magic of fall simmer all day long.

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What You Need for a Fall Simmer Pot

To make a fall simmer pot, you don’t need much—just a pot, water, and a heat source like your stove or a slow cooker.

I find a clear glass pot especially handy because it makes it easier to keep an eye on the water level (plus, it looks pretty with all the colorful fruit and spices floating around!).

Cinnamon apple spice simmer pot for fall.

A wooden spoon and a set of measuring spoons are optional but helpful if you want to be precise.

When prepping ingredients, fresh fruit slices, citrus peels, and whole spices give the strongest scent, but dried versions work in a pinch.

And ALWAYS keep an eye on your simmer pot so the water doesn’t run out—you want cozy fall vibes, not a scorched pot.

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Pinterest image: Fall Simmer Pot Recipes, 4 images of ideas.

Tips for the Perfect Simmer Pot

Cinnamon apple spice simmer pot for fall.

The secret to a perfect fall simmer pot is all in the details.

First, keep the water level consistent by checking in and topping it off as needed—otherwise, you’ll end up with a very fragrant (and very scorched) mess.

Cinnamon apple spice fall simmer pot on stovetop.

Always simmer on low heat rather than letting it boil; a gentle simmer slowly releases the fragrance and keeps it lasting longer.

Think of your simmer pot like a recipe: start with base spices such as cinnamon sticks or cloves, then layer in fruits or herbs to build your scent.

And don’t be afraid to experiment and add in additional favorite scents like vanilla, rosemary, or even a splash of maple syrup—those little tweaks can take your simmer pot from cozy to unforgettable.

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How to Customize Your Fall Simmer Pot

One of the best parts about making a fall simmer pot is that there are no strict rules—you get to play mix-and-match with fruits, spices, and herbs until you find your perfect combo.

Swap in dried ingredients if that’s what you have on hand (they still pack a fragrant punch!)

Want things a little sweeter?

Add apples, pears, or even a drizzle of honey.

Craving more spice?

Toss in extra cloves, star anise, or nutmeg.

The beauty of a simmer pot is that it’s totally customizable, so experiment until you create your own signature autumn scent that feels like “you” in a pot.

10 Simple Fall Simmer Pot Recipes

1. Classic Apple & Cinnamon

  • sliced apple
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 4 cups water
  • Secret ingredient: 1 star anise pod (adds a subtle licorice-like depth)

The sweet aroma of grandma’s French apple pie baking in the oven. Yum!!!

2. Orange Spice Delight

  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4-5 whole cloves
  • 4 cups water
  • Secret ingredient: 1 small piece of fresh ginger (adds warmth and zing)

The combination of orange and cloves remind me of an old fashioned Christmas.

Fall simmer pot ingedients for a pumpkin spice scent, pumpkin puree, cinnamon sticks, pumpkin spice and maple syrup.

3. Pumpkin Pie Simmer

  • 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cups water
  • Secret ingredient: 1 teaspoon pur maple syrup (gives a sweet, cozy undertone)

This fall simmer pot gives me all the autumn vibes!

4. Cranberry Orange Bliss

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cups water
  • Secret ingredient: 1 small sprig of fresh thyme (adds a subtle herbal note)

A refreshing and festive scent that reminds me of my favorite fall cranberry salad.

5. Apple Cider & Spice

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3-4 whole cloves
  • 4 cups water
  • Secret ingredient: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a warm, comforting aroma)

The comforting aroma of simmering apple cider blended with cinnamon and cloves fills your home with the cozy scent of freshly baked autumn memories.

Fall simmer pot recipes: Vanila, cinnamon, cloves and orange peel.

6. Warm Vanilla & Spice

  • 1 vanilla bean, split
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 4 cups water
  • Secret ingredient: 1 small piece of fresh orange peel (brightens the scent)

Sweet vanilla mingle with rich cinnamon and cloves, wrapping your home in a warm, comforting hug that just feels like autumn.

Spiced pear fall simmer pot idea, sliced pear, cinnamon stick, cloves and honey.

7. Spiced Pear Simmer

  • sliced pear
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cups water
  • Secret ingredient: 1 tablespoon honey (adds a soft, natural sweetness)

The gentle sweetness of ripe pears blends with warm cinnamon and allspice, creating a soft, cozy fragrance.

Fall simmer pot recipe: pomegranate, sliced orange and cinnamon stick.

8. Mulled Pomegranate & Orange

  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cups water
  • Secret ingredient: 1 small piece of fresh rosemary (adds a festive, foresty aroma)

A bold blend of citrus, pomegranate, and spice that fills your home with festive holiday cheer.

9. Autumn Forest Simmer

  • 1 handful fresh rosemary
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4-5 whole cloves
  • 4 cups water
  • Secret ingredient: 1 small piece of fresh sage (enhances the earthy, cozy vibe

A woodsy mix of rosemary and sage along with spices that feels like a walk through crisp autumn woods.

10. Cozy Cran-Apple Cinnamon

  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 2 sliced apples
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cups water
  • Secret ingredient: 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg (adds a rich, spicy depth)

Cranberries, apples, and cinnamon blend into a cozy, sweet-tart scent that screams fall.

Bonus Ideas & Hacks

Fall simmer pots are already wonderful on their own, but a few simple hacks can take them to the next level.

Save your leftover citrus peels from morning oranges or lemons—they’re perfect for tossing into a simmer pot and give a fresh, zesty kick.

Simmer pot bundles also make thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts.

Just package dried fruit slices, whole spices, and instructions in a pretty jar or bag and you’ve got the perfect thoughtful gift for a special teacher, a kind neighbor, a dear friend—or even as a thoughtful hostess gift.

For an extra cozy vibe, pair your simmer pot with candles or a drop of essential oils to layer the scents throughout your home.

And don’t forget—your simmer pot doesn’t have to be a one-day wonder.

I find the scent to last for 3-4 days, but you can usually refresh it by adding more water and a few extra spices for another day or two of fragrance before starting fresh.

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More Ideas to Cozy Up Your Home for Fall

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon apple spice simmer pot for fall.

Fall simmer pots are one of those little joys that make a big difference—simple to throw together, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to fill your home with cozy fall vibes.

Whether you stick with a classic apple-and-cinnamon combo or get adventurous with herbs and secret ingredients, each simmer pot is like your own custom autumn candle… without the price tag.

So grab a pot, toss in a few seasonal goodies, and let the magic of fall fill every corner of your home.

And if you come up with a signature scent of your own, I’d love to hear about it in the comments—because who couldn’t use a little more autumn coziness in their life?

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Pinterest image: Simple & Cozy Fall Simmer Pot Ideas, three images of apple cinnamon simmer pot.

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Stephanie Hofer

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What New . . .

I’m a DIY enthusiast at heart—after all it’s in my DNA, thanks to my parents and grandparents who are avid DIYers. I’m also a devoted wife and mother of three amazing kids who keep me on my toes. My DIY journey began after my husband, Dan and I bought our first home. With high-end taste and a tight budget, I was determined to transform our builder-grade space with creativity and minimal cost. There’s nothing more satisfying than taking something unwanted and making it into a cherished piece, whether I’m restoring a vintage dresser or upcycling everyday finds.

I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned along the way and helping others create beautiful spaces without breaking the bank! When I’m not hunting for new DIY projects, I love spending time outdoors with my family, hiking, snowshoeing, and traveling.

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