TasteGreatFoodie - How to Soften Butter Quickly

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

If you’re baking and you come across the term softened butter, do not ignore it! Baking is a delicate art, so using precise measurements and meeting requirements are important for obtaining great results.

Baking is not only artistic but also scientific. So when a recipe calls for softened or room-temperature butter, there is a good reason behind it. Today, you will learn why softening butter is important and how to do it quickly so you don’t have to wait for hours.

A Buttery Bliss

two blocks of butter placed on a wooden board — The secret to luscious baked goods starts with softened butter.

Why is Using Softened Butter Important?

When it comes to baking, the creaming process is extremely important. In any dough or batter, adding air is essential.

In order to do that, you need to mix softened butter with sugar using a stand mixer. As a result, baked goods expand in the oven creating a light, fluffy texture. For best results, you need softened butter, since cold butter can be challenging to cream.

Quick Ways To Get Softened Butter

Sometimes, when baking, you might forget to get the butter out or just don’t have 2 hours to spare. But, whatever the reason, I’ve got you covered!

Here are 5 easy ways to achieve soft butter.

1. Roll It Out

One super easy and mess-free way to soften hard butter is to roll it out. All you have to do is put it between two sheets of parchment paper or wax paper.

Then, with a rolling pin, start pressing it down and rolling it out until you reach the perfect consistency and form. It should be thin enough but not too thin that you can’t peel it off. This is one of the easiest ways to achieve soft butter.

2. Hot Water Bath

The second method is popular not only for melting or softening butter but also for chocolate as well. What you have to do is heat a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.

Then in a heat-safe glass, cut the butter into small chunks, then place the bowl inside the boiling water. To trap the heat, make sure to put them in the microwave. By doing that, you accelerate the process, it will only take you about 10 minutes!

3. Indirect Heat

Next time you’re cooking and need to soften butter simultaneously, use the indirect heat from the stove or oven to your advantage.

What you have to do is cut the butter into small cubes, then place them in a bowl on the stove or somewhere where the heat can reach it.

4. Cut Into Smaller Pieces

Letting a whole stick of butter come to room temperature can be time-consuming. A quick way to do it and achieve a soft textured butter is by cutting big chunks into small pieces.

By doing so, the process can be much faster. You will achieve room-temperature butter within 5-10 minutes.

5. Grate It

The best thing about this method is how easy and fast it is. First, cut the amount of butter that you need so you don’t end up grating the entire stick.

Then start to grate it with a cheese grater, preferably using the largest holes. And that’s literally it. This is probably the fastest way to do it.

Soft and Creamy Butter

pieces of softened butter being added to a large mixing bowl — Indulgence begins with soft, velvety butter.

Soften Your Butter and Make These!

There are lots of recipes that call for softened butter like yellow cake, and most cookie recipes like chocolate chip cookies, pie crust, and quick breads.

The holiday season is finally here! So why don’t you bake some goods to add to your Christmas table? These Easy Christmas Butter Cookies are the perfect option for you.

Cozy desserts are exactly what you need for late-night snacks these days, so why don’t you give this Classic Apple Crisp recipe a try?

Are you looking for a healthy alternative to sugar-packed cakes? Then you have come to the right place. My Chocolate Chip Banana Bread will do the trick!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is microwaving butter a good idea?

The microwave method particularly is kind of controversial here’s why; microwave heat can be very inconsistent which can result in an unevenly softened or melted butter. What you can do is try a small amount for a short time and see how it works for you.

How long does it take for butter to soften on the counter?

Of course, that depends on the temperature, but generally speaking, it needs from 1-2 hours.

How can I tell if my butter is completely softened?

Your butter is perfectly softened if it leaves an imprint when you press it with your finger while still holding its shape.

Does butter go bad?

Butter actually lasts a long time, but that doesn’t mean forever. You know butter has gone bad when you start seeing slight changes in color, texture, smell, and even in taste.

How to properly store butter?

Salted butter can be kept at room temperature for a limited period of time, but that does not apply to unsalted butter. If stored in the freezer, butter keeps well for 6–9 months. However, if kept in the refrigerator, it can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 month after the expiration date on the package.