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.
Gipfeli recipe
Cuisine: SwissDifficulty: Medium12
Gipfeli30
minutes20
minutes230
kcal2
hoursMake authentic Swiss Gipfeli at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. These buttery crescent pastries are perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
250 g all-purpose flour
150 g unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
125 ml milk (lukewarm)
10 g fresh yeast (or 5 g dry yeast)
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk and add it to the flour mixture. Combine well and knead until you have a smooth dough. Let the dough rest for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Fold in the butter: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Place the cold, cubed butter in the center. Fold the dough over the butter from all four sides, sealing it well. Roll out the dough gently to avoid the butter escaping. Fold it into thirds, like a letter, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this folding and chilling process two more times.
- Shape the Gipfeli: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/2 cm thick. Cut the dough into long triangles, approximately 12-15 cm in length. Roll each triangle from the wide end towards the tip to form a crescent shape.
- Final resting: Place the shaped Gipfeli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and let them rest for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Brush each Gipfeli with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. Let them 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.
Additional Tips for the Best Gipfeli Recipe
- Chill your ingredients: Use cold butter and chilled equipment to help maintain the dough’s temperature. This ensures the butter remains firm, resulting in flaky layers.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Handle the dough gently to avoid activating the gluten too much, which can make the Gipfeli tough instead of light and fluffy.
- Use a pizza cutter for perfect triangles: This tool makes cutting the dough into uniform shapes much easier and quicker.
- Adjust proofing times for your environment: In warmer climates, the dough may proof faster than the recipe indicates. In colder climates, it may need a little more time.
- Add fillings for variety: Try adding chocolate, ham, or cheese before rolling the Gipfeli for a savory or sweet twist.
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.
Recipe Variants
- Chocolate-filled Gipfeli: Add a piece of chocolate to each triangle before rolling.
- Almond Gipfeli: Sprinkle almond slivers over the egg wash before baking.
- Whole Wheat Gipfeli: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Cheese-filled Gipfeli: Place a piece of cheese in the center before rolling for a savory version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gipfeli are denser and less buttery than croissants. While both are crescent-shaped pastries, Gipfeli have a distinct texture and taste due to the way the dough is made.
Yes, but it will result in a different texture. Yeast is key for the authentic fluffy texture, but baking powder can be a substitute for a quicker version.
Roll the dough tightly and place the seam on the bottom when baking. This helps the Gipfeli hold their shape.
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.