Easy Gipfeli Recipe

Ever wanted to make those delicious, flaky Swiss breakfast rolls at home? This Gipfeli recipe (Swiss German for croissants) will show you how! While they take some time to make, most of it is just waiting for the dough to rise, and the result is totally worth it. These buttery crescents are perfect for breakfast or brunch!

Ingredients You Need for the Perfect Gipfeli Recipe:

the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour ($1)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast ($0.50)
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar ($0.25)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt ($0.10)
• 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm milk ($0.75)
• 2 large eggs (1 for dough, 1 for egg wash) ($0.50)
• ¼ cup (60g) softened butter ($1)

Laminating:

• 1 ½ cups (340g) cold butter ($4)

Egg Wash:

• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Gipfeli Recipe:

Make the Base Dough (15 minutes)

1. Mix lukewarm milk with yeast and a pinch of sugar
2. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt
4. Add one beaten egg and the yeast mixture
5. Mix until a shaggy dough forms
6. Knead in softened butter until smooth (about 10 minutes)
7. Form into a ball

First Rise (2 hours)

1. Place dough in a clean bowl
2. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel
3. Let rise at room temperature until doubled (about 2 hours)

Prepare the Butter Block (10 minutes)

1. Place cold butter between two pieces of parchment paper
2. Pound and roll into an 8x8 inch square
3. Keep cold until needed

Laminate the Dough (30 minutes + 6-8 hours resting)

1. Roll dough into a 12x12 inch square
2. Place butter block in the center at a 45-degree angle
3. Fold corners of dough over butter like an envelope
4. Roll into a 12x24 inch rectangle
5. Fold into thirds like a letter
6. Wrap and chill 2 hours
7. Repeat rolling and folding two more times
8. Chill overnight

Shape the Gipfeli (20 minutes)

1. Roll dough into a 12x24 inch rectangle
2. Cut into 12 triangles
3. Stretch each triangle slightly
4. Roll up from base to tip
5. Form into crescents
6. Place on lined baking sheets

Final Rise (1-2 hours)

1. Cover shaped Gipfeli loosely
2. Let rise until puffy (1-2 hours)
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)

Bake (15-20 minutes)

1. Brush with egg wash
2. Bake until golden brown (15-20 minutes)
3. Cool on wire rack

Easy Gipfeli Recipe

Gipfeli are delightful Swiss croissants, known for their buttery layers and slightly sweet flavor. This Gipfeli recipe makes a perfect breakfast treat or snack.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Swiss

Keyword: easy gipfeli recipe, Gipfeli Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Chilling Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 Gipfeli

Calories: 200kcal

Author: Sarah Paulson

Cost: $8

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Plastic wrap
• Clean kitchen towel

Ingredients

• 4 cups 500g all-purpose flour ($1)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons 7g active dry yeast ($0.50)
• ¼ cup 50g sugar ($0.25)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt $0.10
• 1 cup 240ml lukewarm milk ($0.75)
• 2 large eggs 1 for dough, 1 for egg wash ($0.50)
• ¼ cup 60g softened butter ($1)
• 1 ½ cups 340g cold butter ($4)
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Base Dough

• Mix lukewarm milk with yeast and a pinch of sugar
• Let stand 5 minutes until foamy
• In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt
• Add one beaten egg and the yeast mixture
• Mix until a shaggy dough forms
• Knead in softened butter until smooth (about 10 minutes)
• Form into a ball

Step 2: First Rise

• Place dough in a clean bowl
• Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel
• Let rise at room temperature until doubled (about 2 hours)

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Block

• Place cold butter between two pieces of parchment paper
• Pound and roll into an 8×8 inch square
• Keep cold until needed

Step 4: Laminate the Dough

• Roll dough into a 12×12 inch square
• Place butter block in the center at a 45-degree angle
• Fold corners of dough over butter like an envelope
• Roll into a 12×24 inch rectangle
• Fold into thirds like a letter
• Wrap and chill 2 hours
• Repeat rolling and folding two more times
• Chill overnight

Step 5: Shape and Bake

• Roll dough into a 12×24 inch rectangle
• Cut into 12 triangles
• Roll up from base to tip
• Form into crescents
• Let rise 1-2 hours
• Brush with egg wash
• Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden

Notes

• Keep the butter cold to ensure flaky Gipfeli.
• Always put flour on the table before kneading to prevent sticking.
• Roll the dough gently to maintain even thickness.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 120mg | Sugar: 1g

Pro Tips for Perfect Gipfeli Recipe

• Keep everything cold while working with the butter
• Don't skip the resting times
• Make sure butter is cold but pliable for laminating
• Use a ruler for even cuts
• Don't twist too tightly when shaping

Recipe Variations

• Add chocolate pieces before rolling for chocolate Gipfeli
• Sprinkle with almonds before baking
• Make them whole wheat by replacing ⅓ of the flour
• Add ham and cheese for savory version

Common Questions About Gipfeli

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes! You can refrigerate the laminated dough for up to 24 hours.

Why didn't my Gipfeli get flaky?

Usually because the butter got too warm. Keep everything cold!

Can I freeze Gipfeli?

Yes, freeze after shaping but before final rise.

How do I store leftover Gipfeli?

Store in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat in oven for best results.

Time-Saving Tips

• Prepare the dough in the evening
• Let it rest overnight in the fridge
• Shape and bake in the morning
• Make a double batch and freeze extras

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These homemade Gipfeli are fresher and more delicious than store-bought ones. While they take time to make, most of it is hands-off, and the result is absolutely worth it! Plus, you'll impress everyone with your baking skills!

Try this Swiss Gipfeli recipe today and enjoy the authentic taste of Swiss breakfast at home! Share your baking success on social media with #easysavoryrecipes – we'd love to see your creations!