Traditional Swiss Gipfeli Recipe: A Delicious Pastry Delight

Gipfeli, the Swiss version of croissants, are flaky, buttery pastries that make for a perfect breakfast or snack. Their delightful texture and rich flavor make them a favorite among pastry lovers. Whether enjoyed plain, with a sprinkle of sugar, or filled with sweet or savory fillings, Gipfeli are sure to impress. In this article, we’ll guide you through making authentic Swiss Gipfeli from scratch, including tips for achieving that perfect flaky texture.

Why You’ll Love Making Gipfeli

1. Authentic Taste: Making Gipfeli at home allows you to experience the rich, buttery flavor that is sometimes lost in store-bought options.
2. Customizable: You can fill them with your favorite jams, chocolate, cheese, or herbs, tailoring them to your taste.
3. Fun Baking Project: The process of making these pastries can be both enjoyable and rewarding, perfect for a weekend baking session.

Ingredients for Gipfeli

To make about 12 Gipfeli, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500 grams (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10 grams (1 tablespoon) salt
• 40 grams (3 tablespoons) granulated sugar
• 20 grams (1 tablespoon) instant yeast
• 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk, warmed
• 100 grams (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, for egg wash

For the Butter Layer:

• 250 grams (1 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Gipfeli

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Make sure to keep the salt and yeast separate initially, as salt can inhibit yeast activity.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk and melted butter. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Butter Layer: While the dough is rising, prepare the butter layer. Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to flatten it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Chill in the refrigerator until firm.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the chilled butter rectangle in the center of the dough.
6. Enclose the Butter: Fold the dough over the butter to encase it completely. Pinch the edges to seal and prevent the butter from escaping during rolling.
7. Laminate the Dough: Roll the dough out into a long rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Fold it into thirds like a letter (this is called a “turn”). Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times for a total of three turns, chilling the dough between each turn.
8. Shape the Gipfeli: After the final turn, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into triangles (about 5-6 inches wide at the base). Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle toward the point to form the Gipfeli shape.
9. Second Rise: Place the shaped Gipfeli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the Gipfeli for a beautiful golden color.
12. Bake: Bake the Gipfeli in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Tips for Perfect Gipfeli

• Keep Everything Cold: Ensure your butter is cold when making the layers; this helps create flaky layers during baking.
• Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow the dough to rise properly for the best texture and flavor.
• Experiment with Fillings: For a twist, add chocolate, almond paste, or ham and cheese filling before rolling.

Conclusion

Making traditional Swiss Gipfeli at home is a delightful way to enjoy this classic pastry. With their flaky layers and rich buttery flavor, these treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the warm, delicious taste of homemade Gipfeli.