Swiss Gipfeli are the ultimate breakfast treat – flaky, buttery, and perfectly golden-brown. These delicious crescent-shaped pastries resemble French croissants but are slightly less buttery and crisp, offering a lighter, fluffier texture. If you love homemade baked goods, you’ll adore this Swiss classic! 🇨🇭✨
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, baking tips, and variations to make your own authentic Swiss Gipfeli at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these homemade delights! 🤩
⭐ What Is Gipfeli?
Gipfeli (plural of Gipfel) is a traditional Swiss breakfast pastry, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee ☕ or hot chocolate 🍫. Unlike French croissants, Gipfeli are made with slightly less butter, resulting in a lighter and less greasy texture while still maintaining their signature flakiness.
Gipfeli are a staple in Swiss bakeries and can be found in different varieties, including plain, whole wheat, or filled with chocolate, jam, or almond paste. 😍
📌 Ingredients for Swiss Gipfeli
To make about 10-12 Gipfeli, you’ll need:
🔹 Dough Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
🔹 Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Activate the Yeast 🍞
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and will help the dough rise beautifully.
🔸 Step 2: Prepare the Dough 🌟
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
💡 Tip: If kneading by hand, use a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
🔸 Step 3: Let the Dough Rise ⏳
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
🔸 Step 4: Roll Out and Shape the Gipfeli 🥐
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Cut the dough into triangles with a base of about 3 inches and a height of 6 inches.
Roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip, gently stretching it to create the classic crescent shape.
🔸 Step 5: Second Rise & Egg Wash ✨
Place the shaped Gipfeli on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk. Brush the Gipfeli with this egg wash to give them a beautiful golden-brown shine.
🔸 Step 6: Bake to Perfection 🔥
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the Gipfeli for 18–20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and flaky.
Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, with butter and jam! 🍯
🏆 Tips for the Best Homemade Gipfeli
✔️ Use quality butter – A rich, high-fat butter will give your Gipfeli the best flavor and texture. ✔️ Knead the dough well – This ensures the right elasticity and softness. ✔️ Let the dough rise fully – Rushing the process can lead to dense pastries. ✔️ Bake at the right temperature – Too high can burn them; too low can make them undercooked. ✔️ Egg wash evenly – This helps create that irresistible golden-brown color.
🍫 Variations of Swiss Gipfeli
🔹 Chocolate Gipfeli: Add a small chocolate bar or chocolate chips inside before rolling. 🔹 Almond Gipfeli: Fill with almond paste and top with sliced almonds before baking. 🔹 Whole Wheat Gipfeli: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version. 🔹 Savory Gipfeli: Skip the sugar and add grated cheese, ham, or herbs for a delicious twist.
🍽️ How to Serve Swiss Gipfeli
Gipfeli are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them with:
🍯 Honey or fruit jam 🧈 Butter ☕ A cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate 🍓 Fresh fruits on the side
For a true Swiss breakfast experience, pair them with a warm drink and a slice of cheese! 🧀
❄️ Storing & Freezing Tips
🔹 How to Store
Keep Gipfeli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh the flakiness.
🔹 How to Freeze
Freeze baked Gipfeli in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes.
🎉 Conclusion: Make Your Own Swiss Gipfeli at Home!
Now that you have this authentic Swiss Gipfeli recipe, it’s time to get baking! These flaky, buttery pastries are perfect for any occasion – from breakfast to an indulgent snack.
Give this recipe a try and let us know in the comments: What’s your favorite way to enjoy Gipfeli? 😍👇
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