December is here, and with it the season of bakeries and fragrant treats. One of the most beautiful Swiss traditions during Advent is baking Grittibänzen (sweet little figures made from sweet yeast dough).
But this year we spiced up this tradition a bit: Instead of classic Grittibänz figures, our children let their imaginations run wild and conjured up Dino-Grittibänz and Unicorn! 🦖🦄✨
The basic recipe for Grittibänz:
So that you can get started at home, we share our child-friendly recipe with you:
Ingredients for about 4 pieces:
• 500 g flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 60 g sugar
• 20 g yeast (fresh)
• 75 g butter (soft)
• 3 dl milk (lukewarm)
• 1 egg (for brushing)
Preparation:
1. Mix flour, salt and sugar in a bowl.
2. Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk and add it to the flour mixture.
3. Add butter and knead everything into a smooth dough.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Then the fun begins: Divide the dough and shape it creatively – whether it's a dinosaur, a handprint, or a classic Grittibänz, there are no limits to your imagination!
6. Place the figures on a baking tray lined with baking paper and brush with beaten egg.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (top/bottom heat) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Why the Grittibänz? A short history
The tradition of Grittibänz dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally baked during St. Nicholas' Day, it symbolized Saint Nicholas or other guardian figures. The name "Grittibänz" comes from the Swiss German word "gritt," meaning "with legs wide apart"—a reference to the figures' typical posture.
Our children didn't take the story too seriously: "Why does he have to stand? Can't he fly like a dinosaur or unicorn?" And so Dino & Unicorn Grittibänze were born.
How about trying your own creative version of Grittibänz this year? Whether it's an animal, a fantasy creature, or just something funny—the main thing is that it's fun! 🎨🍞
Have fun baking and enjoy the Advent season!
