Softening Butter

Effective techniques for softening butter.

Softening Butter at Room Temperature

Take the butter out of the refrigerator and leave at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before you plan to use it. For faster softening, cut the butter into small pieces. You can also decrease softening times by beating the butter with an electric mixer or by placing it between two sheets of waxed or parchment paper and pounding it with a rolling pin.

Softening Butter in the Microwave

Microwave 1 stick of butter for about 30 seconds on High or 60-90 seconds on Low. Check the butter every 10 to 15 seconds, as it is easy to inadvertently melt the butter. In the event that you do melt it, the butter it will not be suitable for baking. Instead, use it for other cooking and sautéing applications that call for melted butter.

Softening Butter with Steam

Place butter on a plate and set the plate over a bowl of hot water until the butter softens.