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breakfast

Gipfeli

By Grandma Millie

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A two-tier ceramic stand displaying golden-brown Gipfeli croissants sprinkled with pistachio crumbs, with a vintage copper teapot and rustic coffee cups in the background.

Freshly baked Gipfeli bring a touch of Swiss tradition to the breakfast table with their golden, flaky layers and buttery aroma. Each crescent unfolds into a perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, airy interiors, just waiting to be pulled apart and enjoyed. Pair them with sweet jam, honey, or a warm cup of coffee for a simple yet indulgent start to the day. Whether homemade or fresh from the oven, Gipfeli offer a comforting ritual that fills your kitchen with irresistible warmth and morning joy.

Prep: 2 hrs
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 2 hrs 45 mins
Serves: 12 servings
Calories: 200

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Gipfeli

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Prep Time
2 hrs
Cook Time
15 mins
resting
30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Swiss
Calories: 200

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (for activating the dough)
  • 1 1/3 cups lukewarm milk (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)

Equipment

  • 1 Stand mixerFor mixing the dough
  • 1 Baking sheetFor baking the Gipfeli
  • 1 Parchment paperTo line the baking sheet
  • 1 Rolling PinFor rolling out the dough
  • 1 Small bowlFor blooming the yeast

Method

  1. 1

    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.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    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.

  4. 4

    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.

  5. 5

    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.

  6. 6

    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.

  7. 7

    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.

  8. 8

    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.

  9. 9

    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.

  10. 10

    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

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories200
Fat10g
Protein4g
Carbs25g

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.

Ingredients

Here are the delightful ingredients you’ll need to make Giphli!

A rustic kitchen table displaying various ingredients for Gipfeli, including yeast, milk, flour, sugar, salt, an egg, butter, and more, all arranged invitingly.
  • 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-by-step process of making Gipfeli, including blooming yeast, mixing ingredients, resting dough, and preparing butter.

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

FeatureDetails
CategoryBreakfast
CuisineSwiss
Prep Time120 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Extra Time30 minutes (resting)
Total Time165 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves12
Best ServedWarm 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, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

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!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

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!
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!
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!
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!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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