How to Soften Butter

Prep: 5

Cook: 5

Total Time: 10

Yield: 8 servings

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Calories: 102kcal

When a recipe calls for softened butter, but it’s sitting cold in the refrigerator. Don't worry! You have a few options to get you back on track.

Place the butter on the counter in a warmer area in the kitchen, unwrap and place it on a plate. You don’t want to put it too close to a hot stove or a warm window, or it can melt. Depending on the temperature of the room, it will take 1 to 2 hours to soften.

Slice the stick lengthwise into ½-inch thick rectangles. Cut into ½-inch cubes or smaller sizes for even quicker softening. Let it sit on the counter until the desired temperature is reached, about 5 to 15 minutes.

Use a glass or ceramic cup that’s large enough to cover the butter. Fill with boiling water. Alternatively, fill a microwave-safe cup with water, heat on high power until near boiling, about 3 minutes. Let the cup sit for 3 minutes to warm up, then pour out the water.
Place the wrapped butter on a plate, standing up. Immediately place the warmed cup over the butter. Check after 5 minutes, then every 1 minute after, about 8 minutes maximum. Unwrap and sit on the counter until the desired temperature is reached, or cut into cubes to speed up softening.

Slice the butter into even-sized pieces, about 1-cm thick. Evenly place them on a plate. Using a microwave-safe material, heat 2 cups of water on high power for 3 minutes.
Remove the cup from the microwave and replace it with the plate of butter. Close the door and let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften.

Cut the stick into 1-cm thick slices and place them in an even layer into a small resealable plastic bag. Remove the air, and seal.
In a medium bowl, add 4 cups of 80-degree water for 2 minutes, then flip it over and let it sit for another 2 minutes. Repeat the flipping process in 1-minute intervals as needed.

Place the stick of butter in the center of a large resealable plastic bag. Pound it down with a rolling pin until flattened, then roll to an even 1/16-inch thickness. Let it sit at room temperature until the desired temperature is reached, about 5 minutes to reach 65ºF (18ºC).

Use the largest holes on a kitchen grater. Unwrap the butter, leaving some around the stick's top to use as a place to grip. Grate over a plate and use it immediately or within a few minutes.

Cut the butter into even-sized slices, about 1 tablespoon in size (1-cm thick). Place in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-low speed (setting 4) for 2 minutes.
Scrape down the paddle and bowl, then mix on medium-low until it reaches the desired temperature, 1 to 2 minutes.

Place the unwrapped stick of butter on a microwave-safe plate. Use the medium power setting (50%) and heat for 5 seconds. Flip the stick over clockwise, so it’s on another side, heat for 5 seconds.
Repeat with the remaining two sides, about 20 seconds total. Keep flipping and heating in 5-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. It takes about 30 to 35 seconds to reach 65 to 67ºF (18 to 19ºC).

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