Classic Swiss Croissants Recipe – Perfect Gipfeli at Home

Bring a taste of Switzerland to your kitchen with this classic Gipfeli recipe! Flaky, buttery, and perfectly golden brown, these croissants are a true delight for breakfast or a snack. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 90 minutes

Ingredients

• 250g of all-purpose flour
• 120ml of warm milk
• 15g of sugar
• 5g of salt
• 10g of active dry yeast
• 30g of unsalted butter (melted)
• 100g of cold unsalted butter (for laminating)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowl
• Oven

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the melted butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Form it into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl, covering it with a damp towel. Let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Butter: While the dough is rising, prepare the cold butter by placing it between two sheets of parchment paper and pounding it into a thin rectangle. Refrigerate until firm.
5. Laminate the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Place the cold butter slab in the center and fold the dough over it, encasing the butter. Roll the dough into a long rectangle, then fold it in thirds like a letter. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
6. Repeat the Lamination: Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling in the fridge for 30 minutes between each fold.
7. Shape the Croissants: After the final fold, roll the dough out into a large rectangle and cut it into triangles.
8. Roll into Croissants: Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle tightly into a croissant shape. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Beat the egg and brush it over the risen croissants.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. Let cool slightly before serving.

Macros

• Total Calories: 675 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 85 g
• Proteins: 15 g
• Fats: 50 g

Tips for Perfect Swiss Croissants

• Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is very cold before starting the lamination process to prevent it from melting.
• Layering Technique: Keep the layers even and neat for those signature flaky croissant layers.
• Time for Rising: Give the dough enough time to rise both initially and after shaping the croissants for the fluffiest result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Classic Gipfeli (Swiss Croissants) bring the taste of Switzerland into your home with their flaky layers, buttery flavor, and golden crust. The process may take some time, but the result is well worth it – a batch of delicious, melt-in-your-mouth croissants that will delight everyone at the breakfast table.