Gipfeli Recipe Swiss Croissants

Looking for a light, flaky breakfast treat? This Gipfeli Recipe (Swiss Croissants) is perfect for adding a European touch to your morning! Popular throughout Switzerland, Gipfeli are the Swiss take on croissants — less buttery than the French version but just as fluffy and delicious. They’re often enjoyed with coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with jam, cheese, or chocolate.

What makes this Swiss croissant recipe special is its balance of simplicity and elegance. It’s easy to make at home, doesn’t require a ton of butter-laminating expertise, and can be filled or enjoyed plain. It’s great for beginners who want to try their hand at a homemade pastry without the complexity of French-style croissants.

I first had Gipfeli while traveling through Zurich — they were warm, slightly crisp, and served with alpine butter. I knew I had to recreate them when I got home. Now they’ve become a weekend ritual in my kitchen. This Gipfeli recipe brings authentic Swiss flavor straight to your table. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Gipfeli Recipe Swiss Croissants

• Lighter than traditional croissants but still wonderfully flaky
• Can be filled with cheese, chocolate, or ham
• Made with simple, everyday ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks
• A great introduction to laminated dough without the stress
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead baking

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush
• Dough scraper (optional)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
• Oven

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup warm milk (not hot)
• 1 egg (for dough)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional fillings: Swiss cheese, chocolate, or ham

Nutrition and Calories Facts Table

How to Make Gipfeli Recipe Swiss Croissants

Step 01: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm milk and sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and one egg. Knead into a soft, elastic dough for about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer.

Step 03: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 04: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the dough and divide it into two parts. Roll each half into a circle, about ¼ inch thick.

Step 05: Cut and Shape

Cut each circle into 6–8 triangular wedges. Starting from the wide end, roll each wedge into a crescent shape. If using fillings, place them at the wide end before rolling.

Step 06: Second Rise

Place Gipfeli on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover lightly and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 07: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.

Step 08: Egg Wash

Beat the remaining egg and gently brush it over each croissant to give a golden, glossy finish.

Step 09: Bake the Gipfeli

Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Craving something savory after this buttery treat? Check out our flavorful Pappadeaux Red Beans and Rice Recipe — a bold and hearty Cajun classic that perfectly balances this delicate Swiss pastry.

Tips for Making Perfect Gipfeli Recipe Swiss Croissants

• Don’t skip the second rise — it gives the croissants their signature fluffiness.
• Want extra layers? Roll and fold the dough once or twice more before cutting.
• Use high-quality fillings like Swiss cheese or dark chocolate for best flavor.
• Keep your dough chilled slightly while shaping if it’s too sticky.

Storage Tips

• Store cooled Gipfeli in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, place unbaked Gipfeli on a tray, freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen — just add 3–5 minutes to baking time.
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness.

Serving Tips

• Serve warm with butter, fruit jam, or honey.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy European breakfast.
• Add a savory twist with ham and cheese filling or a herb butter spread.

What To Serve with Gipfeli Recipe Swiss Croissants

• Soft-boiled or scrambled eggs
• A Swiss cheese platter
• Fruit salad or berry compote
• Yogurt with granola
• Smoked salmon and crème fraîche (for brunch vibes)

Conclusion!

This Gipfeli Recipe for Swiss Croissants is the perfect way to bring a taste of Switzerland into your kitchen. Whether you go for a plain version with coffee or a cheesy, chocolate-filled treat, these croissants are light, flaky, and satisfyingly simple to make. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike!

Try it once and it’ll quickly become your go-to pastry for brunches, holidays, or even weekday mornings. Guten Appetit!

FAQs

1. Are Swiss Gipfeli the same as French croissants?
Not quite. Swiss Gipfeli are less buttery and slightly denser but still flaky and delicious.

2. Can I use puff pastry instead of making the dough?
You can, but you’ll miss the traditional texture and flavor of Gipfeli.

3. What fillings work best in Gipfeli?
Popular fillings include Swiss cheese, chocolate, ham, or even almond paste.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

5. Do Gipfeli need to be laminated like French croissants?
No full lamination is required. A few folds will add flakiness, but it’s much easier than classic croissants.

Gipfeli Recipe Swiss Croissants

Looking for a light, flaky breakfast treat? This Gipfeli Recipe (Swiss Croissants) is perfect for adding a European touch to your morning! Popular throughout Switzerland, Gipfeli are the Swiss take on croissants — less buttery than the French version but just as fluffy and delicious.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Servings 8

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling Pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush
• Dough scraper (optional)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup warm milk not hot
• 1 egg for dough
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
• 1 egg for egg wash
• Optional fillings: Swiss cheese chocolate, or ham