The Best Gipfeli Recipe to Master Swiss Baking

Gipfeli, the Swiss counterpart to the croissant, is a delightful pastry with a rich history and a flavor profile that’s perfect for any time of day. Unlike the croissant’s buttery, flaky layers, Gipfeli has a slightly denser texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a light spread of jam.

Whether you’re craving a classic butter Gipfeli or exploring creative variations like Mandelgipfel or Nussgipfel, this recipe will guide you through every step of making these charming pastries from scratch. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you’ll master the art of Swiss baking right in your own kitchen.

For more comforting recipes, check out How to Make the Best Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins or add a sweet side like Cinnamon Applesauce to your breakfast table.

What is the Difference Between a Croissant and a Gipfeli?

Though they may look similar, Gipfeli and croissants differ in texture, taste, and preparation. Both are beloved pastries, but Gipfeli is distinctly Swiss, with a flavor and density that set it apart from its French cousin.

Key Differences Between Croissant and Gipfeli

Why Choose Gipfeli?

• Easier to Handle: The dough is less delicate than croissant dough, making it more beginner-friendly.
• Versatile: Gipfeli can be made savory or sweet, catering to a variety of preferences.

If you’re new to baking pastries, Gipfeli is a great starting point, as it’s simpler to prepare but still offers that delightful homemade charm.

What is Nussgipfel?

Nussgipfel, a popular variation of Gipfeli, is a Swiss pastry filled with a rich, nutty mixture. Translating to “nut crescent,” this treat combines the tender texture of Gipfeli dough with a sweet and flavorful nut filling, often made from ground hazelnuts or walnuts.

Key Features of Nussgipfel

• Filling: A creamy blend of ground nuts, sugar, and sometimes a hint of cinnamon or vanilla for added depth.
• Texture: The slightly dense Gipfeli dough provides a satisfying contrast to the smooth, nutty filling.
• Topping: Nussgipfel is often finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for extra sweetness.

How to Make Nussgipfel

1. Prepare the Nut Filling
   • Mix finely ground hazelnuts or walnuts with sugar, a splash of milk, and optional spices like cinnamon or vanilla. Adjust sweetness to taste.
2. Shape and Fill the Dough
   • Roll out the Gipfeli dough, cut it into triangles, and add a spoonful of nut filling to the base of each triangle before rolling it into a crescent shape.
3. Bake and Finish
   • Bake the Nussgipfel until golden brown. Once cooled, garnish with powdered sugar or icing for a beautiful presentation.

Why Try Nussgipfel?

Nussgipfel is perfect for nut lovers and offers a delicious twist on the classic Gipfeli. It’s an excellent option for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day snack.

Ingredients for Gipfeli Recipe

To make the perfect Gipfeli, you’ll need simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. These combine to create the dough and give the pastry its tender texture and subtly sweet flavor.

Dough Ingredients

Optional Fillings and Toppings

Ingredient Tips

• Butter: Keep it cold to create a flaky texture in the dough.
• Milk: Use whole milk for a richer dough.
• Yeast: Ensure it’s fresh and active for a proper rise.

With these ingredients, you’ll have everything needed to create a batch of classic Gipfeli or explore variations like Nussgipfel and Mandelgipfel.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Gipfeli

Making Gipfeli at home is a rewarding process. With a few basic steps, you can achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s how to make these delightful pastries from scratch:

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Cut cold butter into small cubes and rub it into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs.
   • In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix and Knead
   • Gradually add the milk-yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Rest the Dough
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Roll Out and Shape
   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2-3 portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
   • Cut the circle into 8 equal triangles using a pizza cutter or knife.
5. Add Fillings (Optional)
   • If making Nussgipfel or Mandelgipfel, place a small spoonful of filling at the wide base of each triangle.
6. Roll into Crescents
   • Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle toward the point, forming a crescent shape. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, point-side down.
7. Brush and Bake
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each Gipfeli with beaten egg for a golden finish.
   • Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve
   • Allow the Gipfeli to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with icing.

Pro Tips

• Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while shaping, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
• Consistency: Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.

What is a Mandelgipfel?

A Mandelgipfel is a delightful variation of the classic Gipfeli, filled with a sweet almond paste and often topped with sliced almonds. This Swiss pastry is perfect for almond lovers and adds a rich, nutty flavor to the traditional crescent shape.

Key Features of Mandelgipfel

• Filling: The filling is typically made with almond paste, powdered sugar, and a touch of milk or water to create a creamy consistency.
• Topping: Sliced almonds are sprinkled on top, adding a slight crunch and enhancing the almond flavor.
• Presentation: Mandelgipfel is usually glazed with a light egg wash and baked to a golden brown, making it visually appealing and delicious.

How to Make Mandelgipfel

1. Prepare the Almond Filling
   • In a bowl, mix almond paste with powdered sugar and a splash of milk or water until smooth. Add a drop of almond extract for a more intense flavor.
2. Fill the Dough
   • Roll out the Gipfeli dough, cut it into triangles, and place a small dollop of almond filling at the base of each triangle.
3. Shape and Top
   • Roll the triangles into crescent shapes. Brush each Mandelgipfel with a beaten egg and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
4. Bake and Finish
   • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Why Try Mandelgipfel?

• It’s a sophisticated twist on the classic Gipfeli, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or special occasions.
• The almond filling adds a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Gipfeli Texture

Crafting the ideal Gipfeli requires attention to detail and a few simple techniques. By following these tips, you can ensure your pastries have the perfect balance of softness and structure:

1. Use Cold Butter

• Cold butter is essential for creating a tender texture. When combined with the dough, it prevents overmixing and keeps the pastries soft yet slightly firm.

2. Knead Properly

• Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic but avoid overworking it. Overkneading can result in dense pastries.

3. Allow Adequate Rising Time

• Letting the dough rise fully ensures a light and airy texture. The ideal rising time is about 1 hour in a warm, draft-free environment.

4. Roll Evenly

• When rolling out the dough, maintain a consistent thickness (about 1/4 inch) to ensure even baking.

5. Brush with Egg Wash

• An egg wash (beaten egg with a splash of milk or water) gives Gipfeli a glossy, golden finish.

6. Bake at the Right Temperature

• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes. This temperature allows the Gipfeli to cook through while achieving a golden exterior.

7. Avoid Overloading with Filling

• If you’re adding fillings like nut paste or almond cream, use just a small amount to prevent the dough from tearing or becoming soggy.

8. Cool Properly

• After baking, transfer the Gipfeli to a wire rack to cool. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.

Pro Tip

For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar or slivered almonds on top before baking.

Creative Variations of Gipfeli

Gipfeli is a versatile pastry that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. From savory twists to indulgent sweet fillings, there’s no limit to how you can customize this classic Swiss treat.

Sweet Variations

Savory Variations

Regional Twists

Toppings and Glazes

• Powdered Sugar: For a simple, elegant finish.
• Honey Glaze: Brush with a mixture of honey and water for added sweetness.
• Icing: Drizzle with a light sugar glaze for a bakery-style presentation.
• Coarse Sugar: Sprinkle coarse sugar for extra texture and a touch of sweetness.

By experimenting with these variations, you can create Gipfeli that cater to every occasion, from breakfasts to dinner parties.

How to Store and Reheat Gipfeli

To keep your Gipfeli fresh and delicious, proper storage and reheating are essential. Whether you’re saving leftovers or preparing them ahead of time, follow these tips to enjoy them at their best.

Storing Gipfeli

Tips for Freezing Gipfeli

• Freeze the pastries unbaked after shaping for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, brush with egg wash, and bake as usual.
• If freezing baked Gipfeli, allow them to cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

Reheating Gipfeli

Pro Tips for Reheating

• For unbaked frozen Gipfeli, let them thaw and rise slightly before baking.
• Avoid overheating, as it can dry out the pastry or burn delicate toppings like nuts or sugar.

How to Keep Gipfeli Fresh

• If storing at room temperature, include a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.
• Glaze or dust the Gipfeli with powdered sugar after reheating to refresh their appearance.

With these storage and reheating tips, your Gipfeli will taste fresh and flavorful, no matter when you enjoy them.

Why You Should Try Making Gipfeli

Gipfeli is more than just a pastry—it’s a symbol of Swiss tradition and culinary charm. Whether enjoyed plain, filled with nuts, or topped with almonds, Gipfeli offers a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication.

This versatile recipe lets you explore classic versions like butter Gipfeli or variations such as Nussgipfel and Mandelgipfel. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack paired with your favorite coffee or tea. The slightly denser texture of Gipfeli, compared to croissants, makes them unique and satisfying.

Making Gipfeli at home is a rewarding experience, from kneading the dough to savoring the freshly baked crescent-shaped pastries. With the tips provided for storage, reheating, and creative variations, you can enjoy them fresh anytime.

For more Swiss-inspired or breakfast-friendly recipes, visit How to Make the Tastiest Cinnamon Applesauce or explore a warm, comforting option like The Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.

Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the magic of homemade Gipfeli!

Gipfeli

Gipfeli, the Swiss cousin of the croissant, offers a denser texture and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or jam. Perfect for breakfast or a light snack, these crescent-shaped pastries are easy to make and endlessly versatile. Try classic butter Gipfeli or variations like nut-filled Nussgipfel or almond-flavored Mandelgipfel!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Swiss

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

  

• 3 1/2 cups 440 g all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup 115 g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup 240 ml warm milk
• 1 egg beaten (for brushing)

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Rub in cold butter until crumbly. Dissolve yeast in warm milk; let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Combine with dry ingredients to form dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
• Divide dough into 2 portions. Roll each into a circle (~1/4 inch thick). Cut into 8 triangles.
• Place desired filling at the base of each triangle. Roll tightly into crescent shapes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place crescents on a baking sheet, brush with egg, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until

Notes

Variations: Try savory fillings like ham and cheese or spinach and feta.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for best texture.