Go Back
Freshly baked Swiss Gipfeli dusted with powdered sugar on a wooden serving board, showcasing the perfect flaky layers.

Gipfeli Recipe

By Emma Cooke
Learn how to make authentic Swiss Gipfeli at home with this step-by-step guide. Flaky, buttery, and irresistibly delicious, this recipe will help you bake perfect Gipfeli just like in a traditional Swiss bakery!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine swiss
Servings 8 Gipfeli
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking tray
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife or pastry cutter

Ingredients
  

List of Ingredients:

  • 500 g 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 10 g 2 tsp salt
  • 50 g 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 7 g 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 250 ml 1 cup warm milk
  • 200 g 7 oz unsalted butter (for lamination)
  • 1 egg yolk for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp water for egg wash

Substitutions:

  • Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
  • Swap almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Opt for plant-based butter to make it vegan.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
  • Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
  • Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.

Refrigerate and Roll the Dough:

  • Wrap the dough and chill for 1 hour.
  • Roll out into a rectangle on a floured surface.

Incorporate Butter and Laminate:

  • Roll out butter into a thin layer and place it in the center.
  • Fold and roll the dough into a larger rectangle.
  • Repeat the rolling and folding process 3 times, chilling between each.

Shape the Gipfeli:

  • Roll the dough to 5mm thickness and cut into triangles.
  • Roll each triangle from base to tip to form a crescent shape.
  • Place on a lined baking tray.

Proof and Bake:

  • Cover and let the shaped Gipfeli rise for 45 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
  • Brush with egg wash and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Notes & Tips:

  • Avoid overworking the dough to maintain a light texture.
  • Chill the dough between folds to ensure flaky layers.
  • For a sweeter version, sprinkle sugar over the dough before rolling.
  • Try different fillings, such as chocolate, cheese, or ham, for variations.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Store unbaked, shaped Gipfeli in the freezer for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fats: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Sugar: 5g
Keyword Gipfeli recipe, Swiss croissants, how to make Gipfeli, buttery crescent rolls, Swiss breakfast pastry, flaky pastry, homemade Swiss croissants, Swiss baking, authentic Gipfeli, Swiss patisserie