Gipfeli Recipe: Perfect Swiss Crescent Pastries You’ll Love

Last Updated on March 7, 2025 by Simon

A traditional Gipfeli recipe brings a taste of Swiss pastry into your kitchen. These buttery, crescent-shaped treats are beloved across Switzerland and often enjoyed with coffee or tea for breakfast or as a snack. While they look similar to croissants, Gipfeli are distinct, with a slightly denser texture. This homemade recipe will guide you through creating delicious, golden-brown Gipfeli that taste just as authentic as those from a Swiss bakery. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pastry enthusiast, this recipe offers an approachable yet rewarding baking experience.

What is Gipfeli?

Gipfeli is a traditional Swiss pastry that resembles a crescent roll or croissant but has its own unique characteristics. Unlike the airy, ultra-flaky French croissant, Gipfeli is slightly denser with a tender crumb, offering a buttery and mildly sweet taste. It’s a popular choice for breakfast or a mid-morning snack, often enjoyed with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The dough is typically made with flour, butter, milk, and yeast, creating a delicious blend of richness and texture. Though it shares a similar shape to croissants, the preparation process and flavor make Gipfeli recipe distinctly Swiss.

Why This Recipe Works

Swiss Gipfeli might look similar to croissants, but they have a distinct texture and taste. While croissants are rich, buttery, and highly layered, Gipfeli are slightly denser and have a more structured dough. This makes them a bit easier to handle, yet still wonderfully flaky and delicious.

1. Easier than Croissants, but Just as Satisfying

One of the biggest advantages of making Gipfeli is that they don’t require extensive butter laminations like croissants. Instead, the dough is enriched with milk and butter, giving it a light and fluffy texture without the need for multiple folding steps. This makes the process more beginner-friendly while still delivering a fantastic pastry.

2. Perfect Balance of Fluffiness and Flakiness

Unlike some heavier pastries, Gipfeli have a delicate structure. The dough contains just the right amount of butter to achieve flakiness without overwhelming richness. Plus, the rolling and shaping process helps create airy layers that bake up beautifully golden and crisp.

3. Customizable for Different Tastes

One of the best things about Gipfeli recipe is their versatility. You can enjoy them plain or add different fillings like:

• Chocolate: A Swiss favorite, simply place a few chocolate pieces inside before rolling.
• Nut filling: Ground hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts mixed with sugar and cream.
• Jam-filled: Spread a thin layer of jam for a fruity twist.
• Savory Gipfeli: Fill with ham and cheese for a delicious breakfast option.

4. Pairs Perfectly with Coffee and Tea

Gipfeli are a breakfast staple in Switzerland, often enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee or tea. Their slightly sweet, buttery flavor complements both hot beverages and even fresh fruit spreads.

5. Can Be Made in Advance

You can prepare Gipfeli dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight, making it easy to bake fresh pastries in the morning. You can also freeze them after shaping and bake whenever you crave fresh, homemade Swiss pastries.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make the perfect Gipfeli, you’ll need simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the right texture and flavor, so let’s go through them in detail.

For the Dough:

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the pastry. You can also use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
• 250ml (1 cup) whole milk, lukewarm – Activates the yeast and makes the dough tender.
• 60g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and enhances the flavor.
• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar – Gives a subtle sweetness to the dough.
• 1 packet (7g or 2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise, making the Gipfeli light and fluffy.
• 1 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough.
• 1 egg yolk – Adds color and richness to the dough.

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk – Ensures a golden, glossy finish.
• 1 tbsp milk – Helps thin out the egg wash for even application.

Optional Fillings:

• Chocolate (small chocolate bars or chocolate chips) – For a Swiss-style chocolate Gipfeli.
• Fruit jam (apricot, raspberry, or strawberry) – Adds a fruity sweetness.
• Nut paste (ground almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts mixed with sugar and cream) – A classic filling.
• Ham and cheese – A delicious savory twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First Step: Prepare the Dough (15 minutes active, 1-2 hours resting)

1. Activate the yeast – In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the softened butter, egg yolk, and yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough – Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
4. Let it rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Gipfeli (15 minutes active, 30 minutes resting)

1. Roll out the dough – Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle (about 3mm thick).
2. Cut into triangles – Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, divide the dough into 8-12 triangular pieces, similar to pizza slices.
3. Add fillings (optional) – If using a filling, place a small amount at the wider end of each triangle.
4. Roll the Gipfeli – Starting from the wide end, roll the dough tightly toward the tip. Curve the ends slightly to create the classic crescent shape.
5. Rest again – Place the shaped Gipfeli on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 3: Bake the Gipfeli (15-20 minutes baking)

1. Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Brush with egg wash – Mix an egg yolk with milk and brush each Gipfeli for a golden finish.
3. Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
4. Cool and serve – Let the Gipfeli cool slightly before serving warm.

Pro Tips for Successful Gipfeli Recipe

Making homemade Gipfeli can be simple with the right techniques. Here are some expert tips to ensure you get the best results:

1. Use High-Quality Butter

Since butter plays a key role in the flavor, opt for European-style butter with a higher fat content. This will give your Gipfeli a rich, authentic taste.

2. Ensure Proper Yeast Activation

Yeast thrives in warm liquid, but if the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 37-40°C (98-104°F), which is warm but not scalding.

3. Don’t Overfill

If adding chocolate, jam, or other fillings, use a small amount, too much can cause the filling to leak during baking.

4. Roll the Dough Evenly

When rolling out the dough, keep it as even as possible to ensure all Gipfeli bake uniformly. Uneven dough can lead to some pastries being undercooked while others overbrown.

5. Resting Time is Key

Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures light and fluffy pastries. If rushed, the Gipfeli may turn out dense instead of airy.

6. Bake Until Golden Brown

Don’t take them out too early, Gipfeli should have a deep golden-brown color for the best flavor and texture.

7. Make-Ahead Option

You can refrigerate shaped Gipfeli overnight and bake them fresh in the morning. Simply let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Variants of the Gipfeli Recipe

While traditional Swiss Gipfeli are simple and buttery, there are many delicious variations you can try. Here are some popular alternatives:

1. Chocolate Gipfeli

A Swiss favorite, this version includes a rich chocolate center. Before rolling the triangles, place a small piece of chocolate (or a few chocolate chips) at the base. Dark chocolate works best for a balanced sweetness, but you can use milk or white chocolate as well.

2. Nut-Filled Gipfeli

A deliciously rich variation involves filling the Gipfeli with a nut mixture. A classic filling includes finely ground hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts mixed with sugar, a little milk, and a dash of cinnamon. Spread a thin layer before rolling.

3. Jam-Filled Gipfeli

For a fruity twist, add a teaspoon of your favorite jam, apricot, raspberry, or strawberry work best. Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent leakage during baking.

4. Whole Wheat Gipfeli

For a slightly healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The result is a denser but still delicious Gipfeli with a nutty, hearty flavor.

5. Savory Gipfeli (Ham & Cheese)

Instead of a sweet version, try a savory variation by adding thin slices of ham and Swiss cheese before rolling. These make a perfect breakfast or brunch treat.

6. Vegan Gipfeli

Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk. Skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk wash for a golden crust.

Recipe Card

Gipfeli recipe

Recipe by SouhailCuisine: SwissDifficulty: Medium

Servings

12

Gipfeli

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

210

kcal

Resting time

2

hours

Make authentic Swiss Gipfeli at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. These buttery crescent pastries are perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack.

Ingredients

• For the Dough

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour

• 250ml (1 cup) whole milk, lukewarm

• 60g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened

• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar

• 1 packet (7g or 2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 egg yolk

• For the Egg Wash

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tbsp milk

• Optional Fillings

• Chocolate (small bars or chips)

• Jam (apricot, raspberry, or strawberry)

• Nut paste (ground hazelnuts or almonds mixed with sugar and cream)

Directions

• Prepare the Dough
• In a small bowl, mix lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add softened butter, egg yolk, and the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
• Shape the Gipfeli
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large circle (3mm thick).
• Using a sharp knife, divide the dough into 8–12 triangles.
• Add optional fillings at the wide end of each triangle.
• Roll each triangle tightly from the wide end to the tip. Curve the ends slightly to create a crescent shape.
• Place the shaped Gipfeli on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes.
• Bake the Gipfeli
• Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
• Mix egg yolk and milk, then brush it over the Gipfeli for a glossy finish.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
• Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Be gentle when rolling and folding to prevent the butter from melting or breaking out of the dough.
• Resting the dough between folds ensures flaky layers.
• For extra flaky Gipfeli, refrigerate the dough for an hour after kneading.
• Don’t overfill the pastries to prevent leakage during baking.

How to Store

Store your Gipfeli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Serve Gipfeli recipe

Serve your Gipfeli warm with a cup of coffee or tea for an authentic Swiss experience. They pair wonderfully with butter and jam, honey, or even Nutella. For a more savory option, slice them in half and add ham and cheese for a delicious sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making this Gipfeli recipe at home lets you enjoy a taste of Swiss tradition without leaving your kitchen. These buttery, flaky pastries offer a delightful treat that pairs well with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, the steps are simple to follow, allowing you to master an authentic Gipfeli recipe that tastes just like the real deal. Try it out, and savor the joy of a homemade Swiss pastry. It’s an experience that’s truly worth sharing with friends and family!

And if you want to try another delicious bakery, we suggest you try the homemade Crookie Recipe and let us know what you think below the comments.