Master the Perfect Gipfeli Recipe in 5 Simple Steps: A Swiss Pastry Delight

What is Gipfeli? A Swiss Breakfast Treasure

If you’ve ever wandered through a Swiss bakery at dawn, you’ve likely been lured by the aroma of freshly baked Gipfeli—Switzerland’s answer to the croissant. Unlike its French cousin, this crescent-shaped pastry is slightly denser, less buttery, and wonderfully versatile, making it ideal for both sweet and savory fillings 28. Originating from Alpine traditions, Gipfeli recipe has become a cultural icon, often paired with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy morning ritual 711.

Why This Gipfeli Recipe Works

• Beginner-Friendly: Simplified lamination steps compared to croissants.
• Customizable: Stuff with chocolate, ham, cheese, or jam.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prep ahead and bake fresh anytime.
• Uses Pantry Staples: Flour, butter, yeast, and milk are all you need.

Essential Tools for Flaky Success

Before diving in, gather these kitchen essentials (affiliate links included for quality products):

• Rolling Pin: A sturdy roller ensures even dough layers.
• Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking without extra flour.
• Pastry Brush: For that golden egg wash finish.
• European-Style Butter (affiliate link): Higher fat content = richer layers 911.

Ingredients for Authentic Gipfeli

(Makes 12 pastries)

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • ½ cup cold European-style butter (cubed)
• Egg Wash: 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk

Pro Tip: For a vegan twist, swap butter with plant-based margarine and milk with almond milk 710.

Step-by-Step Gipfeli Recipe

1. Activate the Yeast & Mix the Dough

• Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until frothy (5–10 mins).
• In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture, kneading until smooth. Let the dough rise for 1–2 hours 511.

2. Laminate for Flaky Layers

• Roll the dough into a rectangle. Dot with cold butter cubes, fold like a letter, and chill for 30 mins. Repeat this process 3 times for buttery layers 68.

3. Shape into Crescents

• Cut the dough into triangles. Roll each from the base to the tip, curving the ends slightly.

4. Final Proofing & Bake

• Let shaped Gipfeli rise for 30–45 mins. Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 mins until golden 39.

Pro Tips for Bakery-Worthy Results

• Keep Butter Cold: Warm butter melts into the dough—chill between folds 11.
• Don’t Rush Proofing: Let dough double in size for airy texture.
• Add Fillings: Tuck chocolate, almond paste, or ham/cheese into triangles before rolling 28.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair your Gipfeli with:

• Sweet: Raspberry jam or a drizzle of honey (try our Carob-Covered Strawberries for dessert).
• Savory: Swiss cheese or smoked salmon.
• Drinks: Swiss hot chocolate or herbal tea (our Lotus Seed Honey Drink complements it perfectly).

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freeze Unbaked: Shape dough, freeze, and bake fresh—no thawing needed!
• Reheat: 5 mins in a 350°F oven restores crispiness (avoid microwaving) 811.

Gipfeli Recipe in 5 Simple Steps

Buttery, flaky Swiss pastries with customizable fillings. Perfect for breakfast or snacks!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Baking, Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine French, Swiss

Servings 12

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Rolling Pin
• Baking sheet
• Pastry Brush 

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• – ¼ cup sugar
• – 1 tsp salt
• – 1 cup warm milk
• – 2 tsp active dry yeast
• – ½ cup cold European-style butter cubed
• – 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk for egg wash

Instructions

 

• Activate yeast in warm milk.
• Mix dough, let rise, and laminate with butter.
• Shape into crescents, proof, and bake.

Notes

• Use high-fat butter for best results.
• Freeze unbaked Gipfeli for up to 1 month.

Keyword buttery cake, flaky, Gipfeli recipe, Swiss crescent pastry

Explore More Recipes

Love Swiss-inspired dishes? Try our San Antonio Chicken Marinade for a savory dinner or Strawberry Earthquake Cake for dessert!

Your Turn to Bake!

Ready to bring Switzerland to your kitchen? Share your Gipfeli creations with us on social media—tag #FouziasKitchen for a chance to be featured! For more baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s Lamination Guide .

Hungry for More?

• Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Recipe
• Pumpkin Mug Cake

By blending tradition with practical tips, this Gipfeli recipe ensures every bite transports you to a Swiss Alps café. Happy baking! 🥐✨