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Swiss Gipfeli

Gipfeli Recipe

Make perfect Gipfeli Recipe at home! Flaky, buttery, and golden, these pastries are great for breakfast or a snack. Easy step-by-step recipe!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine Swiss
Servings 8 to 10 Gipfeli
Calories 250 kcal

INGREDIENTS
  

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons dry yeast or 1 tablespoon baking powder for quick version
  • ¾ cup warm milk for yeast activation
  • 1 egg
  • 6 tablespoons cold butter cubed

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Optional Fillings:

  • Sweet: Chocolate chips almond paste, fruit jam.
  • Savory: Ham and Swiss cheese herbed cream cheese.

INSTRUCTIONS
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
  • If using yeast, dissolve it in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • Cut cold butter into the flour mixture, rubbing it in with your fingertips until the texture resembles breadcrumbs.
  • Add the egg and yeast mixture (or baking powder for the quick version).
  • Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First Proofing (For Yeast Doughs)

  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a towel.
  • Let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
  • If using baking powder, skip this step and move directly to shaping.

Step 3: Rolling and Shaping the Gipfeli

  • Roll out the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
  • Cut into triangles using a knife or pizza cutter.
  • If using a filling, place a small amount at the wide end of each triangle.
  • Roll each triangle tightly from the wide end to the tip and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet seam-side down.

Step 4: Second Proofing (For Yeast Doughs)

  • Cover the shaped Gipfeli with a towel and let them rise for 30–45 minutes.
  • If using baking powder, you can skip this step and proceed to baking.

Step 5: Baking the Gipfeli

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and milk to make an egg wash.
  • Lightly brush the Gipfeli with the egg wash for a golden, shiny crust.
  • Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

NOTES

Pro Tips for Perfect Gipfeli
  • Use cold butter to create flaky layers—avoid overmixing.
  • For extra crispiness, apply a second coat of egg wash halfway through baking.
  • Let the dough rest between steps to improve texture and structure.
  • Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—Gipfeli will expand while baking.
  • For a glossy finish, brush warm honey or melted butter on top after baking.
With these techniques and tips, your homemade Swiss Gipfeli will be perfectly golden, flaky, and delicious every time! Enjoy them warm with butter, jam, or coffee.