There’s something truly magical about waking up to the warm, comforting scent of freshly baked pastries wafting through the kitchen. Growing up in a home where the oven was always humming, I learned the art of baking from my grandmother, who cherished simplicity, precision, and buttery indulgence. While she was deeply rooted in her Italian traditions, she had a soft spot for Swiss pastries—especially the Gipfeli. These croissant-like treats are both humble and heavenly.
Today, I’m blending that European elegance with a comforting American twist. This Gipfeli recipe is made with simple ingredients and accessible techniques, yet it delivers gourmet-level results. Whether you’re planning a cozy winter brunch or putting together a breezy summer breakfast spread, these crescent rolls are ideal for any season.
🕰 Prep Time & Bake Time
- Prep Time: 2 hours (including dough resting)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 7
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make authentic, flaky Gipfeli recipe:
For the Dough:
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
- 50g (1/4 cup) softened butter
- 1 egg
For the Butter Layer:
- 150g (2/3 cup) cold unsalted butter (for laminating)
For Brushing:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
To begin, activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour along with the egg and softened butter. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Layer
While the dough is rising, prepare the butter block. Shape the cold butter into a flat square (around 6×6 inches) between two pieces of parchment paper. Then, chill it until firm.
Step 3: Laminate the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out into a 12×12 inch square. Place the chilled butter block in the center. Fold each corner of the dough over the butter to create a sealed envelope.
Now, roll the dough out gently into a long rectangle. Fold it into thirds like a letter, cover, and chill for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times, chilling for 30 minutes between each.
Step 4: Shape the Gipfeli
After completing the final fold and chill, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick). Cut into triangles and gently roll each triangle from the wide end to the point, forming crescents.
Place the shaped Gipfeli on a parchment-lined baking tray, then cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). When ready to bake, brush each roll with the egg wash.
Finally, bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the Gipfeli are puffed and golden brown.
🌟 Serving Tips
To enjoy these at their best, serve them warm from the oven with your favorite jam, honey, or a pat of butter. For a sweet twist, consider tucking a piece of dark chocolate inside before rolling. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for savory, a filling of ham and cheese works beautifully.
🧊 Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (a rare occasion!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, reheat in a warm oven for 5 minutes.
For longer storage, you can freeze the shaped but unbaked rolls. When you’re ready to bake, pop them into the oven straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Gipfeli Recipe
This recipe strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. Not only is it approachable for home bakers, but it also produces professional-quality results. The Gipfeli come out golden and flaky every time, with a tender, buttery interior.
Furthermore, the dough is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it for sweet or savory fillings depending on the occasion. Plus, making them at home means you control the ingredients—no additives, just love.