Gipfeli Recipe – A Taste of Swiss Tradition

A Morning Ritual, Reimagined

There’s something timeless about waking up to the warm aroma of freshly baked pastries, especially when they’re made from a cherished Gipfeli recipe passed down through generations. In our Swiss-Italian family, this flaky, buttery pastry was more than breakfast—it was a weekend ritual. Today, I’m sharing a perfected version of that family Gipfeli recipe, combining traditional technique with a touch of European flair.

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🥐 What Makes a Gipfeli Unique?

The Gipfeli is Switzerland’s buttery breakfast icon—less airy than a croissant, more delicate than a dinner roll, and utterly irresistible. Unlike the French croissant, a traditional Gipfeli recipe yields a slightly denser texture and a soft, rich crumb, perfect for both sweet and savory pairings.

This recipe ensures layers of lamination with high-protein bread flour and cold European butter—delivering a crisp outside and soft, cloudlike center.

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🧾 Ingredients for the Perfect Gipfeli Recipe

To make this authentic Gipfeli recipe, you’ll need the following:

• 3 ¼ cups High-protein bread flour (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon Fine sea salt
• ¼ cup Granulated sugar
• ½ cup European-style butter (cold, for lamination)
• ½ cup Cold milk
• ¼ cup Water (adjust as needed)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh active yeast (or instant yeast)
• 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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⏲️ Timing and Method

• Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus 2 hours for lamination & proofing)
• Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
• Total Time: Approx. 3.5 hours
• Yield: 12 Gipfeli
• Category: Breakfast, Pastry
• Method: Baking, Laminated Dough
• Cuisine: Swiss, European
• Focus Keyword: Gipfeli Recipe

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🧑‍🍳 How to Make a Flaky, Buttery Gipfeli Recipe

1. Activate the Yeast

Mix milk and water, sprinkle yeast on top, and let it foam.

2. Prepare the Dough

Mix flour, salt, and sugar. Add yeast mix and knead to a soft dough. Chill for 30 mins.

3. Create the Butter Layer

Roll cold butter between parchment into a 6×8” rectangle. Chill.

4. Laminate the Dough

Wrap butter in dough, roll out, fold like a letter. Chill. Repeat 2 more times.

5. Shape the Gipfeli

Roll dough to ¼” thick. Cut triangles, roll from base to tip. Place tip-down on trays.

6. Proof and Bake

Let rise 1–1.5 hours. Brush with egg wash. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until golden.

🧀 Serving Suggestions

Gipfeli’s subtle richness makes it incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Classic Breakfast: Pair with butter and fruit preserves for a traditional Swiss-style breakfast.
• Savory Brunch: Slice and fill with ham, Swiss cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard.
• Afternoon Snack: Serve with hot chocolate or herbal tea for a cozy mid-day break.
• Elegant Appetizer: Bake smaller versions and serve with smoked salmon and crème fraîche at your next brunch.

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💡 Tips for Success

• Keep Everything Cold: The secret to successful lamination is cold butter and a cool working environment.
• Rest the Dough: Don’t rush the chilling stages—they allow the gluten to relax and help develop those flaky layers.
• Shape with Care: Always roll the dough tightly when shaping to prevent unrolling during baking.
• Watch the Proofing: Over-proofing can cause butter to leak; under-proofing can lead to dense pastries. Aim for a gentle spring-back when poked.

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🎨 Variations to Try

Want to get creative? These delicious spins on the traditional Gipfeli are worth a try:

1. Sweet Almond Gipfeli

Add a teaspoon of almond paste or marzipan before rolling, and dust with powdered sugar after baking.

2. Chocolate-Filled Delight

Place a few chocolate chips at the base of each triangle before rolling for a gooey center.

3. Herbed Cheese Gipfeli

Sprinkle shredded Gruyère and finely chopped rosemary inside for a savory kick.

4. Fruit & Cream Cheese

Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese and chopped dried apricots for a fruity, creamy surprise.

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🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~210 kcal
Fat	11 g
Carbohydrates	24 g
Protein	4 g
Sugar	3 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	180 mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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📌 Final Thoughts

This Gipfeli recipe brings a little piece of Switzerland to your kitchen—no passport required. It’s an homage to tradition, flavored with butter, love, and a sense of slow-living that feels so right in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying one quietly at dawn, these Swiss croissant cousins are sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.

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📣 Share Your Bake!

Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below with your thoughts, tweaks, and toppings. Let’s bring a taste of Switzerland to kitchens around the world.

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