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an unwrapped butter.
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How To Soften Butter Fast

Four fast methods for bringing butter to room temperature in no time.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword how to soften butter fast
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings 0.5 Cup
Author Dikla Levy Frances

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Boiling water (for method 3) (240ml)
  • 1/2 Cup Cold butter (113g)

Instructions

Using the microwave, option one

  • Cut the butter into 1/2-inch chunks and arrange them over a microwave-safe plate.
  • Microwave the butter twice for 5-7 seconds for each burst.
  • Let the butter sit for a few minutes and allow it to soften some more from the heat residue coming from the warm parts of each piece. Use your fingers to check for softness.

Using the Microwave, second options

  • Microwave the butter with its wrapping twice for 7-10 seconds, turning the butter over between each burst (depending on the strength of your microwave).
  • Gently press the butter; it should feel soft, mostly on the surface. If still cold, microwave it for another 7-10 seconds.
  • Place the butter on your kitchen counter for about 10-20 minutes to completely soften.

Using a glass cup

  • Fill a glass cup slightly taller than your butter with boiling water and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour out the water, and top the cup upside-down over the butter stick.
  • Allow the butter to soften from the cup's warmth for about 10 minutes.

Using Heat Residue

  • Place the butter in close proximity to a warm spot in your kitchen, next to your stovetop, on top of a baking over, or over your working dishwasher.
  • Make sure to check every 5-10 minutes and turn sides if necessary.

Notes

  • Avoid using high-heat methods like direct stovetop heat as it can cause uneven softening or melting.
  • If you accidentally melt the butter, you can salvage it by placing it back in the fridge to firm up before using it in your recipe.
  • Always plan ahead when baking. While shortcuts are great, don't confuse them with a baking technique. Baking is a very delicate process that calls for precision and accuracy.
  • Cream cheese is not butter, so I do not recommend using these methods to bring it to room temperature.
  • Use a cup for one stick of butter (1/2 cup), or a bowl for one cup or more. For an amount greater than one cup, use a box grater to shred the hard butter, or cut it into small cubes.