Gipfeli Recipe: Easy Swiss Pastry for Every Occasion
Gipfeli, often called the Swiss croissant, is a buttery, flaky pastry perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. This easy-to-follow Gipfeli recipe delivers bakery-quality results, customizable with sweet or savory fillings. Impress your guests or treat yourself with these irresistible pastries!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional Sweet Fillings:
- 4 tablespoons jam apricot, raspberry, or strawberry
- 4 small squares of chocolate
- 4 tablespoons Nutella
Optional Savory Fillings:
- ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella
- 4 slices of ham or turkey
- ½ cup sautéed spinach with crumbled feta
Topping:
- 1 large egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds optional
Instructions
Activate Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Prepare Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter cubes and mix with your hands or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Gradually add the activated yeast mixture and knead until smooth.
Let Dough Rise:
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Roll and Shape:
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a thin rectangle (¼ inch thick). Cut into long, narrow triangles. Add fillings (if using) to the base of each triangle. Roll tightly toward the tip to form a crescent shape.
Prepare for Baking:
- Place shaped Gipfeli on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle toppings if desired. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- If the yeast doesn’t froth, it may be expired. Start again with fresh yeast.
- To make ahead, freeze unbaked Gipfeli and bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- Experiment with different fillings to suit your taste.