Christmas Simmering Spices

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Nothing can get me in the mood for baking, cooking, wrapping or hosting like the smells of Christmas. Christmas Simmering Spices are so easy and smell just like Christmas!

What does Christmas “smell” like? For me, it’s a mixture of cinnamon, orange, cloves, pine, maybe a little anise and allspice.

If great smelling things are your jam, also try my Fall Simmering Spices and Lemon & Peppermint Antibacterial Hand scrub!

Christmas in a Bag | Easy Simmering Spices

Whether it’s through  essential oils or the actual products, these smells definitely release “happy hormones” in me!

The only thing missing is softly falling snow and a crackling fire in the hearth with the Christmas tree twinkling and emitting its woodsy, piney aroma.

Yes, we still have a real Christmas tree, I just can’t bring myself to buy an artificial tree, smells are so very important to me. Just ask my family and close friends about wet cement…ha!!

I’ve been putting together these “Christmas in a Bag” simmering spices for several years to give to friends, family and neighbors, they make great hostess and neighbor gifts.

Christmas Simmering Spice Ingredients

• 2-3 Cinnamon sticks
• 1 Tablespoon (scant) Cloves, whole
• 2-3 Star Anise (Optional)
• 1 Small Orange or 1 tablespoon dried Orange Peel
• 1/4 cup (7-12) Fresh or dried Cranberries 
• 1 teaspoon whole Allspice
• 1 sprig of Cedar* or Spruce (optional)

*Snip off your own tree, or ask a neighbor, or from your local nursery or Christmas tree farm.

How to Make Christmas Simmering Spices

Place desired spices and fruit in a clear cello bag, tie with a pretty ribbon and attach a simple label.

Place the larger items in the bottom of a cellophane bag, then place the remaining items on top.

Tie it with a twist tie and then a ribbon or string and attach instructions for simmering.

PRINT SOME CUTE AND FUN LABELS FOR GIFTING!

I found these cute little paper berry baskets last year, be on the lookout for fun little things like this to place a package of cookies, candies, etc.

Don’t forget to save some for yourself!

Instructions for how to Simmer Christmas Spices

To use, simply pour contents into small saucepan and fill with water, bring to simmer and replenish water as needed.

Be sure to try my Fall Simmering Spices as well!

And while you are assembling your cute little hostess gifts, try sipping  (responsibly) on one of these wonderful holiday drinks, Blood Orange, Tangerine Gin & Tonic, Hot Buttered Rum, or Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini.

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Christmas in a Bag (Simmering Spices)

Author: Kathleen | The Fresh Cooky

5 from 2 votes

Give the gift of aromatherapy to a friend or neighbor this Christmas! A mixture of cinnamon, orange, cloves, pine, a little anise and allspice.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Hostess Gifts

Cuisine American

Servings 1 bag

Calories 44 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  Darice White Paper Berry Basket, 6 Piece
• ▢
  Natural Jute Twine 2 Pack – Best Crafting Twine String for Craft Projects
• ▢
  Jillson Roberts Bulk 100-Count Clear Cello Bags 

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2-3 [Cinnamon sticks]
• ▢ 1 tablespoon scant [Cloves], whole
• ▢ 2-3 [Star Anise], Optional
• ▢ 1 Small Orange or 1 tablespoon [dried Orange Peel]
• ▢ 1/4 cup 7-12 Fresh or [dried Cranberries ]
• ▢ 1 teaspoon whole [Allspice]
• ▢ 1 sprig of Cedar* or Spruce, optional

Instructions

 

• Place all ingredients in a cellophane bag.

Tie with a pretty bow and attach a tag with the following instructions:

• Pour contents into a small pot, cover with water and bring to a simmer.
• If the water levels get below the spices, just add a bit more to refresh.
• Enjoy the smells of Christmas!

✱ Kathleen’s Tips

TIP | *Snip off from your own tree, or ask a neighbor, or from your local nursery or Christmas tree farm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Calories: 44 kcal Carbohydrates: 12 g Protein: 1 g Fat: 1 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g Trans Fat: 1 g Sodium: 10 mg Potassium: 115 mg Fiber: 6 g Sugar: 1 g Vitamin A: 82 IU Vitamin C: 17 mg Calcium: 121 mg Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Fresh Cooky is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

About Kathleen Pope

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.