Swiss Grittibänz
- Energy Kcal 341
- Carbohydrates g 37.1
- of which sugars g 5.4
- Protein g 6.5
- Fats g 7.4
- of which saturated fat g 3.25
- Fiber g 1.4
- Cholesterol mg 32
- Sodium mg 116
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Prep time: 60 min
- Cook time: 30 min
- Makes: 12 pieces
- Cost: Low
- Note + the rising time
PRESENTATION
Swiss Grittibänz is such a charming holiday treat, bringing joy during the festive season in Switzerland. It’s a really, really good tradition that pops up around St. Nicholas Day. With its playful shapes and cute decorations, it’s a favorite for both kids and adults. These bread figures, often resembling a shivering beggar with a pipe—so unique—are crafted from a dough similar to brioche. The Swiss Grittibänz recipe offers a super soft and moist texture. You get that comforting, tender crumb with every bite. And listen, each little figure is dressed up with chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit for eyes, buttons, or hats, adding an extra layer of fun. It's not just the taste but also the decorating that makes this St. Nicholas bread a hit, especially for families looking to enjoy a cozy baking day together.
Plus, across Europe, festive breads have their own unique twist. And the Swiss really know how to make Grittibänz special. In Finland, there's something similar called 'pulle,' while Portugal has 'azevias.' But, the Swiss version stands out with creativity and sweet cultural stories. Thing is, the Swiss Grittibänz recipe is beautifully simple—no need for fancy ingredients—so everyone can join in and get their hands a little floury. Once baked, the outside gets a golden shine, while the inside remains soft and light. Pretty much perfect for pulling apart and sharing.
Whether you are exploring new Swiss holiday baking ideas or just want to try some European-inspired festive breads, these bread men are a playful, sweet centerpiece. Seriously good. They’re more than just food—they create lasting memories tied to Swiss Christmas traditions—bringing people together for laughter, warmth, and a table full of happy, flour-dusted faces. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the super good world of Grittibänz, where every bake is a step into Swiss culture and festive joy.
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INGREDIENTS
- Ingredients for 12 pieces
- Type 00 flour 4 cups (500 g)
- Sugar ¼ cup (40 g)
- Whole milk 1.1 cups (250 g)
- Butter 4 tbsp (60 g)
- Eggs 1 - medium
- Fresh brewer's yeast 0.4 oz (12 g)
- Fine salt to taste
- To decorate
- Chopped hazelnuts to taste
- Ground pistachio to taste
- Granulated sugar to taste
How to prepare Swiss Grittibänz
To prepare the Swiss grittibänz, start by pouring the butter and milk into a small saucepan, then let them return to room temperature before adding the crumbled yeast and dissolving it with a teaspoon. In a stand mixer with a hook, or in a bowl if you are working by hand, add the flour and sugar. Begin kneading for about ten minutes at medium speed, pouring in the liquid mixture all at once. A couple of minutes before the dough is ready, incorporate a teaspoon of salt. Form a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let the dough rise for 2-3 hours or until the dough has doubled in size. Divide it into 12 parts and shape each piece into a cylinder. Cut the cylinders at one end to create legs, then further up for arms, and finally shape the head. Use leftover dough to decorate the figures by forming scarves, hats, and the characteristic pipe. Brush each figure's surface with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar grains and chopped nuts for shoes and hats. Place them on a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray and bake the Swiss grittibänz in a preheated oven at 356°F for about 30-35 minutes. Once cool, you can enjoy them!