Table of Contents
Introduction
If you ever wanted to eat a buttery, flaky Gipfeli pastry without spending hours cooking, this Gipfeli Recipe is for you! These fluffy Swiss crescent rolls are tender on the inside and have a light golden crust on the outside — you can’t stop with just one! Consider them Switzerland’s response to the croissant — but easier and quicker to prepare!
In Switzerland it is usual to have Gipfeli together with coffee, tea or hot chocolate at breakfast. My first visit to Zurich was marked by baskets of warm, flaky Gipfeli in every café. I couldn’t help but grab one (or two) to enjoy with my morning espresso. Since then, I’ve been determined to replicate that authentic taste at home.
What I love so much about this Gipfeli Recipe though is how incredibly simple it is — you don’t need to be a professional baker to nail this! Great for busy mornings or a weekend brunch, they take less than an hour and work for both kids and adults.
If you enjoyed our Easy Croissant Recipe, which so many of you have made, you’ll definitely love this Swiss version — a touch denser yet just as tasty. So let’s get down to business and tackle this flaky buttery goodness!
What is Gipfeli?
So, what’s a Gipfeli anyway? You may wonder if it’s a cousin of the croissant — and you’re exactly right! In Swiss German, Gipfeli translates to “little peaks” or “little crescents,” a nod to their crescent shape. Others say they were initially created to “devour the enemy’s symbol” in ancient warfare. Baking with a bit of sass, am I right? And besides, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” — so why not score some hearts with this easy, scrumptious pastry? You will never look back after trying this Gipfeli Recipe trust me!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Gipfeli Recipe
1. Buttery, Flaky Perfection
Imagine biting into a flakey, soft and buttery pastry; the exterior just crispy enough. These have all that in every bite! They never let you down, whether you prefer them plain or filled with cheese or chocolate.
2. Save Money and Bake Fresh
Why shell out the big bucks at a bakery when you can whip up these beauties in your very own kitchen? Homemade Gipfeli are not only cheaper, but also offer you a preservative-free option — and nothing can beat that taste of fresh dough straight out of the oven!
3. Customizable with Tasty Fillings
Want to go savory? Add ham and cheese. Craving sweet? A smear of Nutella or jam renders them irresistible. Gipfeli Recipe One Clean Slate for Your Favorite Flavors
If you’ve loved our Savory Cheese Croissants, this one is a must!) Prepared to wow family and friends? Let’s get baking!
How to Make Gipfeli Recipe
Quick Overview
This Gipfeli Recipe is beautifully simple, fast, and utterly satisfying. You don’t have to spend hours folding butter into dough as in traditional croissants. They’re more forgiving but still deliver that satisfying flakiness. Prep time? About 20 minutes. Bake time? 15-20 minutes. In short order, you’ll be savoring warm Swiss pastries!
Key Ingredients for Gipfeli Recipe
Here’s everything you need to get started:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 250ml warm milk
- 50g unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg (for dough)
- 1 tsp salt
- Optional: Cheese, ham, chocolate, or jam for fillings
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, melted butter, and egg. Add yeast mixture. Mix and knead until smooth and elastic (about 7 minutes). If dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
3. Let Dough Rise
Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, until doubled in size.
4. Roll Out and Shape
Deflate the dough and shape it into a disc. Slice into triangles (like pizza slices). If adding fillings, add them at the wide end. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle towards the point to make a crescent shape.
5. Egg Wash and Bake
Transfer Gipfeli to a parchment-lined baking sheet. I wanted you to brush them with egg yolk and milk mixture. That will keep them frozen until you are ready to bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
6. Cool Slightly and Serve
Let cool for a few minutes — but they’re best enjoyed warm!
What to Serve Gipfeli With
Looking for the perfect sidekick for your Gipfeli? Here are some favorites:
- Coffee or Cappuccino: Traditional Swiss breakfast style.
- Fruit Jam or Honey Spread on top for sweetness
- Cheese and Cold Cuts: Serve with Swiss cheese and sliced ham for a substantial brunch.
- Fresh Fruit and Yogurt: Make it lighter with a side platter of fruit and creamy yogurt.
Top Tips for Perfecting Gipfeli
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It allows the yeast to work properly.
- Don’t Overfill: A couple of spoonfuls go a long way — overdo it and the dough will fail to seal nicely.
- Generously Brush with Egg Wash: This is what gives that gorgeous golden color.
- Let Dough Rest: Resting the dough helps to give it soft, fluffy layers.
- Play Around with Fillings: Cheese, herbs, even a sweet almond paste — the sky’s the limit!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Set aside in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- To store longer, freeze Gipfeli in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Frozen Gipfeli will assume fresh-baked status after reheating in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Do not microwave them, as doing so will make them soggy.
Table: Health Benefits of Gipfeli Recipe
| Ingredient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Whole Milk | Good source of calcium and protein |
| Butter (in moderation) | Provides essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins |
| Yeast | Contains B vitamins and promotes gut health |
| Eggs | High-quality protein and essential nutrients |
| Optional Fillings (Cheese, Ham, Chocolate) | Can add protein, calcium, or antioxidants depending on the choice |
Gipfeli Recipe From DelishDish!
Easy Gipfeli Recipe: Homemade Swiss Delight
Course: BreakfastCuisine: swissDifficulty: Easy8
servings20
minutes15
minutes220
kcalEnjoy this easy Gipfeli Recipe, a delightful Swiss crescent roll that’s buttery, flaky, and perfect for breakfast or brunch. Simple to make and family-friendly, these homemade pastries are ready in under an hour and customizable with your favorite fillings!
Ingredients
500g all-purpose flour
1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
250ml warm milk
50g unsalted butter (melted)
1 egg (for dough)
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Optional: Cheese, ham, chocolate, or jam for fillings
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, melted butter, and egg. Add yeast mixture. Mix and knead until smooth and elastic (about 7 minutes). If dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Roll Out and Shape: Punch down the dough and roll it into a thin circle. Cut into triangles (like pizza slices). If adding fillings, place near the wide end. Roll each triangle from the wide side toward the point to form a crescent shape.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Place Gipfeli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg yolk and milk mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let cool for a few minutes — but they’re best enjoyed warm!
Notes
- You can make sweet or savory variations by adding cheese, ham, chocolate, or jam as fillings.
For an extra flaky texture, chill the rolled dough for 10 minutes before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze for later enjoyment.
Egg wash is essential for that beautiful golden crust — don’t skip this step!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! An easy, tasty Savory Pastry Recipe to make at home with no fancy gear or ingredients. Whether you favor them plain or stuffed, sweet or savory, Gipfeli give a taste of Switzerland at your table.
If you make this recipe, be sure to share a photo and tag us on social! And if you want more pastries, turn to our Easy Danish Pastry Recipe next.
FAQs : Gipfeli Recip
What is Gipfeli?
Gipfeli is a traditional Swiss pastry similar to croissants but typically less buttery and slightly denser. It’s enjoyed as a breakfast or snack, often filled with sweet or savory fillings.
How do you make homemade Gipfeli?
To make homemade Gipfeli, you prepare a simple yeast dough, roll it out, cut into triangles, and shape into crescents. After rising, they’re brushed with egg wash and baked until golden.
Can I freeze Gipfeli dough for later?
Yes, Gipfeli dough can be frozen before baking. After shaping the crescents, place them on a tray to freeze, then store in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw, let rise, and bake fresh.
What fillings can I use for Gipfeli?
Gipfeli can be filled with various ingredients like cheese, ham, chocolate, or jam. Sweet or savory options make them versatile for breakfast or snacks.
Are Gipfeli the same as croissants?
No, while Gipfeli and croissants look similar, Gipfeli are typically made with less butter and are denser, whereas croissants are known for their flaky, buttery layers.
How long do homemade Gipfeli stay fresh?
Homemade Gipfeli stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.
Share Your Twist!
Did you use this Gipfeli Recipe and put your spin on it? Perhaps with an unusual filling, a dairy-free variation or a savory twist? Please let me know what you create and I would love to see your creations! Leave your twist in the comments below or tag me on social — let’s inspire each other in the kitchen! 💬✨
