Gipfeli dance out of the oven in the soft morning light, their golden flaky layers whisper promises of buttery warmth. Each tender crescent, painstakingly folded with ice-cold butter and lovingly proofed, unfolds into a tapestry of crispiness and softness. Imagine tugging one apart to reveal steam-kissed interiors that beckon you to slather sweet jam or honey, while a steaming mug of your favorite coffee watches with envy. This playful ritual of rolling, folding and rising carries a hint of Swiss tradition, filling your kitchen with laughter and the irresistible scent of breakfast delight. Ready your taste buds for spectacular morning bliss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Gipfeli
- Flaky and buttery layers that melt in your mouth.
- Perfectly paired with your favorite jam or butter.
- Impressive yet simple enough for any home baker.
- Great for breakfast or as a delightful snack.
- Customizable with fillings like chocolate or nuts.
Gipfeli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Bloom Yeast – In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over lukewarm milk. Stir briefly and let it sit until frothy, about 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Mix Ingredients – In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and the egg to form a soft dough.
- Step 3: Adjust Dough – If the dough is too crumbly, add a little more milk. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour. Knead until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Rest Dough – Transfer the dough to a large bowl, cover, and let it rest at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 ½ hours.
- Step 5: Prepare Butter – During the last 30 minutes of resting, slice the chilled butter into ½ inch thick pieces. Shape it into a 9×9 inch square between parchment paper and chill briefly.
- Step 6: Roll Dough – On a floured surface, roll the rested dough into an 18×10 inch rectangle. Place the butter on half of the dough, fold over, and seal the edges. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Fold Dough – Roll the dough into a 16×10 inch rectangle. Fold one third inward, then the other side over it to create three layers. Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this folding process two more times, chilling in between.
- Step 8: Cut Triangles – Cut the dough in half. Roll one half into an 18×6 inch rectangle and cut it into six triangles with a 5 inch base. Make a 1 inch slit at the base of each triangle.
- Step 9: Shape Crescents – Roll each triangle from base to tip, stretching slightly, and turn the ends inward to form crescents. Seal the ends gently.
- Step 10: Bake Gipfeli – Arrange the crescents on prepared baking sheets, cover lightly, and let rest for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush with egg yolk mixed with milk. Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F and bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbs | 25g |
Ingredients
Here are the delightful ingredients you’ll need to make Giphli!
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast – for activating the dough
- 1 1/3 cups lukewarm milk (105-115°F) – gives moisture and richness
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – the base of your dough
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – adds a touch of sweetness
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt – enhances flavor
- 1 large egg – binds the ingredients
- 1 cup chilled unsalted butter – for a flaky texture
- 1 egg yolk – for glazing
- 1 tablespoon milk – to mix with the egg yolk
How to Make Gipfeli
Prepare for a delightful baking adventure! The total preparation time is about 2 hours, with an additional 1 hour for resting. Baking takes around 15-17 minutes. Let’s create some delicious Gipfeli!
Step 1: Bloom Yeast
In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over lukewarm milk. Stir briefly and let it sit until frothy, about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and the egg to form a soft dough.
Step 3: Adjust Dough
If the dough is too crumbly, add a little more milk. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour. Knead until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Rest Dough
Transfer the dough to a large bowl, cover, and let it rest at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 ½ hours.
Step 5: Prepare Butter
During the last 30 minutes of resting, slice the chilled butter into ½ inch thick pieces. Shape it into a 9×9 inch square between parchment paper and chill briefly.
Step 6: Roll Dough
On a floured surface, roll the rested dough into an 18×10 inch rectangle. Place the butter on half of the dough, fold over, and seal the edges. Chill for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Fold Dough
Roll the dough into a 16×10 inch rectangle. Fold one third inward, then the other side over it to create three layers. Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this folding process two more times, chilling in between.
Step 8: Cut Triangles
Cut the dough in half. Roll one half into an 18×6 inch rectangle and cut it into six triangles with a 5 inch base. Make a 1 inch slit at the base of each triangle.
Step 9: Shape Crescents
Roll each triangle from base to tip, stretching slightly, and turn the ends inward to form crescents. Seal the ends gently.
Step 10: Bake Gipfeli
Arrange the crescents on prepared baking sheets, cover lightly, and let rest for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush with egg yolk mixed with milk. Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F and bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Breakfast |
| Cuisine | Swiss |
| Prep Time | 120 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 165 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Warm with butter and jam |
Pro Tips for Making Gipfeli
- Ensure your butter is chilled but pliable for easy layering.
- Don’t skip the resting times; they help develop flavor and texture.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts when shaping triangles.
- Experiment with fillings like chocolate or almond paste for variety.
- Serve warm for the best taste experience with butter and jam.
How to Serve this Gipfeli
- Spread with creamy butter for a rich flavor.
- Top with your favorite fruit preserves or jam.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- Try with a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet treat.
- Enjoy with a side of yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make these delightful Gipfeli ahead of time and store them properly:
Storing Gipfeli Leftovers
- Allow Gipfeli to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Freezing Gipfeli
- Cool Gipfeli completely before freezing.
- Wrap each Gipfeli in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
- Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Gipfeli
- Preheat oven to 350˚F (175˚C).
- Place Gipfeli on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Enjoy them fresh and flaky!
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use whole milk instead of lukewarm milk for the dough?
Yes, you can use whole milk instead of lukewarm milk. Just make sure to warm it to the appropriate temperature (105-115˚F or 40-46˚C) to activate the yeast properly. Whole milk will add a richer flavor and texture to your Gipfeli!
2. What can I use instead of unsalted butter?
If you need a substitute for unsalted butter, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. Just ensure that it is chilled and cut into slices, similar to how you would prepare the butter for the recipe. This will help maintain the flaky texture of the Gipfeli!
3. How can I store leftover Gipfeli?
To store leftover Gipfeli, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their freshness!
4. Can I add fillings to the Gipfeli?
Absolutely! You can add fillings like chocolate, almond paste, or fruit preserves before rolling the triangles. Just be careful not to overfill them, as this can make sealing the edges difficult. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in the delightful world of Gipfeli! These flaky, buttery crescents are not just a treat; they’re a warm hug for your morning. Simple to make and oh-so-rewarding, they’re perfect with a smear of butter and your favorite jam. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy the magic of baking!