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Buttery Swiss Gipfeli recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar, served with red jam and coffee.

Gipfeli Recipe at Home

Gipfeli, the Swiss version of croissants, are slightly denser and less buttery than their French counterparts. These golden, flaky pastries are perfect for breakfast or a coffee break!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Gipfeli
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 500 g all-purpose flour (or a mix of white and whole wheat)
  • 10 g salt
  • 50 g sugar
  • 7 g instant yeast (1 packet or 2 ¼ tsp)
  • 250 ml warm milk
  • 100 g unsalted butter softened
  • 1 egg

For Laminating (Layering the Dough)

  • 150 g cold unsalted butter

For the Egg Wash

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
  • Gradually add warm milk and mix until the dough starts to come together.
  • Add softened butter and egg, then knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  • Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into a rectangular sheet (15×20 cm or 6×8 inches). Refrigerate until firm but still pliable.
  • Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle, about twice the size of the butter sheet.
  • Place the butter in the center of the dough, then fold the dough over the butter like an envelope.
  • Roll it out into a long rectangle and fold it into thirds like a letter. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling between each fold.
  • Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about ½ cm (¼ inch) thick.
  • Cut into triangles, each about 8 cm (3 inches) wide at the base.
  • Roll each triangle from the base to the tip, forming a crescent shape.
  • Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Brush the Gipfeli with the egg wash.
  • Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.
  • Let them cool slightly before serving.

Video

Notes

For best results, enjoy fresh and warm. Serve with butter, jam, honey, or Swiss cheese.
Keyword Gipfeli, Gipfeli recipe, Swiss Gipfeli, Traditional Gipfeli