Holiday Stovetop Potpourri Jars Recipe
Introduction
Holiday Stovetop Potpourri Jars fill your home with festive and warm scents using simple natural ingredients. This easy method lets you enjoy the cozy aromas of orange, cinnamon, cloves, and cranberries throughout the season.

Ingredients
- Orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cloves
- Cranberries
Instructions
- Step 1: Place orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cranberries into heat-safe jars.
- Step 2: Fill each jar with water until the ingredients are partially submerged.
- Step 3: Set the jars on the stovetop over low heat and let the mixture simmer gently, adding water as needed to keep the ingredients from drying out.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh orange slices for a stronger citrus aroma and replace cranberries with dried fruit for a different scent profile.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or star anise to enhance the fragrance.
Storage
Since this potpourri is meant to be used fresh on the stovetop, do not store the jars with water and ingredients for more than a day. Make a fresh batch each time for the best fragrance. Discard the ingredients after use and clean the jars.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits besides oranges?
Yes, lemons or limes can be used to vary the scent, but oranges provide a balanced sweetness that works best with the spices.
Is it safe to leave the potpourri simmering for several hours?
Yes, but keep the heat low and ensure there is always enough water in the jars to avoid burning the ingredients. Never leave it unattended for long periods.
PrintHoliday Stovetop Potpourri Jars Recipe
Create a warm and fragrant holiday atmosphere with this easy stovetop potpourri recipe. Combining citrusy orange slices, aromatic cinnamon sticks, spicy cloves, and tart cranberries, this festive mix simmers gently on your stove, filling your home with cozy seasonal scents that are perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet winter evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes 2 jars of stovetop potpourri 1x
- Category: Holiday Beverages & Aromatics
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potpourri Ingredients
- 2 large oranges, sliced
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 10 whole cloves
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by washing the oranges thoroughly and slicing them into thin rounds. Rinse the fresh cranberries to remove any debris. Gather your cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.
- Assemble Potpourri Jars: Place the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cranberries evenly into stovetop-safe jars or small pots suitable for simmering.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour 4 cups of water over the ingredients in each jar. Place the jars on the stove over low to medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, ensuring it does not boil over.
- Maintain the Scent: Keep the pot simmering, adding water as needed to prevent drying out. The warm steam will release the fragrant oils from the ingredients, perfuming your home with a delightful holiday aroma.
- Enjoy Safely: Always monitor the stovetop potpourri while simmering to avoid accidents or burning. Once finished, turn off the heat and allow the jars to cool before handling.
Notes
- You can reuse the ingredients for a couple of days by refrigerating the jars overnight and adding fresh water before reheating.
- Adjust the quantities of spices and fruit according to your scent preference.
- Never leave the simmering potpourri unattended to ensure safety from accidental spills or burning.
- If you prefer, add other spices such as star anise or vanilla pods for different fragrance variations.
Keywords: holiday potpourri, stovetop potpourri, Christmas scents, orange cinnamon potpourri, festive aromatics

