Gipfeli is a delicious Swiss pastry that looks similar to a French croissant but has its own unique characteristics. It’s slightly denser, less buttery, and has a crisp outer layer that makes it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a sandwich base.
This best Gipfeli recipe is designed for those who love homemade pastries and want to bring a touch of Swiss baking into their kitchens.
Unlike traditional croissants, a traditional Gipfeli recipe uses a slightly different dough structure, giving it a more compact texture while still being flaky and delicious.
This guide will walk you through a simple Gipfeli recipe, showing you step by step how to achieve that perfect golden pastry. Whether you prefer a Gipfeli recipe easy to follow or a more advanced version, this article has everything you need.
You’ll also find Gipfeli recipe savory variations, tips for making it extra flaky, and ideas for the best fillings.
What is Gipfeli Recipe?
Gipfeli, often called the Swiss croissant, is a crescent-shaped pastry made with flour, yeast, milk, and butter. While it may look like its French counterpart, it has key differences in texture and taste.
The biggest distinction is that Gipfeli is less buttery and slightly more structured, making it easier to fill with savory or sweet ingredients.
In Switzerland, Gipfeli is a breakfast staple, commonly enjoyed with butter, jam, or honey. Some versions even include cheese, ham, or chocolate for a richer flavor.
This traditional Gipfeli recipe has been a part of Swiss baking for generations, often made fresh in bakeries every morning. Unlike croissants, which rely heavily on layers of butter, Gipfeli achieves its crispness through proper kneading and rolling techniques.
If you love trying new pastries, this best Gipfeli recipe will introduce you to a Swiss favorite that you can easily bake at home.
Ingredients
For this simple Gipfeli recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 500g | Base for the dough, provides structure |
| Warm milk | 250ml | Activates the yeast, adds moisture |
| Sugar | 50g | Adds slight sweetness and enhances browning |
| Active dry yeast | 7g (1 packet) | Helps the dough rise and become airy |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor and balances sweetness |
| Cold unsalted butter | 250g | Creates flaky layers and richness |
| Egg (beaten) | 1 | Used for egg wash to create a golden crust |
If you want to try a Gipfeli recipe savory, you can add ingredients like shredded cheese, herbs, or even finely chopped ham to the dough before rolling it out.
How to Make Gipfeli?
Making a traditional Gipfeli recipe requires patience, but the result is worth it. Follow these steps carefully to create the best Gipfeli recipe at home.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast, then let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy. The milk should be warm, not hot, because high temperatures can kill the yeast. This step is crucial, as the yeast helps the dough rise and gives it a light texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir well so everything is evenly distributed. Make a small well in the center of the mixture—this will help when adding the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the well and begin mixing until the dough starts to come together. At first, it may feel sticky, but as you continue to mix and knead, it will become smoother.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about ten minutes. Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives a simple Gipfeli recipe its soft and elastic texture. You’ll know the dough is ready when it feels smooth and slightly elastic.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about an hour in a warm place. The dough should double in size. If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl inside an oven with just the oven light on to create a warm environment.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, transfer it back to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 7: Add Cold Butter
Spread small pieces of cold butter evenly over half of the dough. The butter should remain cold, as this helps create layers when baking.
Step 8: Fold and Roll
Fold the dough in half over the butter and press the edges to seal. Roll it out again and fold it into thirds, like folding a letter. Repeat this process two more times to create multiple layers.
Step 9: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. This allows the butter to firm up and makes the dough easier to work with.
Step 10: Cut the Dough into Triangles
Once chilled, roll the dough out again into a large rectangle. Use a sharp knife to cut it into triangles—these will be your Gipfeli shapes.
Step 11: Shape the Gipfeli
Take each triangle and roll it from the wide end to the tip, forming a crescent shape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 12: Second Rise and Egg Wash
Cover the Gipfeli with a damp towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Before baking, brush each one with a beaten egg to give it a golden brown color.
Step 13: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the Gipfeli for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Gipfeli?
Gipfeli is versatile and can be enjoyed with various toppings and drinks. In Switzerland, people often eat it with butter and jam, but you can also try it with honey, Nutella, or cheese. If you prefer a Gipfeli recipe savory, you can fill it with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or ham. For drinks, a cup of coffee, tea, or freshly squeezed juice pairs perfectly with these flaky pastries.
FAQs
Q:What is a Nussgipfel?
A:A Nussgipfel is a Swiss pastry made with a flaky dough and filled with a sweet nut mixture.
Q:What are the ingredients in Throatsil?
A:Throatsil contains ingredients like menthol, honey, and herbal extracts to help soothe the throat.
Q:What are the ingredients in Lipotropex?
A:Lipotropex includes vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts that may support metabolism and fat loss.
Q:What are the ingredients in Litorsal?
A:Litorsal contains electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium to help with hydration.
Conclusion
This simple Gipfeli recipe brings the flavors of Switzerland to your kitchen. While it requires time and patience, the result is a flaky, golden pastry that’s perfect for any time of day.
Whether you’re making a traditional Gipfeli recipe for breakfast or experimenting with a Gipfeli recipe savory, this guide ensures your homemade pastries turn out perfectly every time. Try it today and enjoy the delicious taste of Swiss baking at home!
