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Living Well Mom

I help moms with simple, natural ways to look after their families. Find recipes, fun stuff for kids, and simple DIY ideas. Plus natural solutions made easy peasy!

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Baking Tip: How to Get Perfectly Softened Butter Fast

By Erika in Home

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you ready to make some delicious baked goods? Now, before we start baking, let’s talk about how to soften butter. There are many ways that you can do this! Some people like to cut the cold butter into small pieces and then let it sit on the counter for a few hours until it softens. Others prefer using warm water or microwaving their butter for a short period of time. The choice is yours!

Have you ever decided to bake cookies and then realized that you need “room-temperature” softened butter? Of course, you didn’t pull the butter out ahead of time because you just decided to bake cookies. (Or is that just me?)

This happens to me all the time. Then I heard an awesome tip for how to quickly soften butter. It’s one of those this-is-so-easy why-didn’t-I-think-of-this-myself kinds of tips. But, you’ll have to see which one works best for you.

In this article, we’ll discuss six methods and why they work so well. You’re going to want to keep reading because once your butter is softened, all kinds of recipes will be easier than ever before:)

Pinterest image for how to get perfectly softened butter fast. this idea now...

Softened Butter vs Melted Butter

First of all, let’s chat about the difference between melted and softened butter. There’s a fine line between the two, but you do not want to use melted butter when a recipe asks for softened!

Melted butter is liquid, and it will change the consistency of your food. Softened butter has a firm texture that’s perfect for cookies or any recipe with flour in it!

Want a good recipe to use your perfectly softened butter in? These cookie dough brownies are just the thing you need.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that cold butter is required in some recipes, primarily in pastries and biscuits. If you use softened butter, the texture will be off.

Pay close attention to what the recipe suggests!

A stick of butter wrapped in it's package, displaying the tablespoon measurements on the side.

How to Soften Butter in the Microwave in 20 seconds

This is my favorite method and the one I use most often.

Put your stick of butter with the wrapper still on in the microwave.

A stick of butter, still in the wrapper, on the tray inside of a microwave.

(Just make sure it’s not a foil wrapper!)

Heat for 5 – 9 seconds on high. Then, you are going to turn it over and microwave the next side!

A hand flipping over a wrapped stick of butter in the microwave.

The exact seconds per side depend on the microwave power. It’s better to go shorter than too long and end up with melted butter. So, I recommend you start with four per side.

The result will be a slightly squishable stick of butter that is softened just right!

An opened package of softened butter.

How to Soften Butter with No Microwave: 5 Options

No microwave? That’s okay! There are other ways you can soften butter without one. Granted, it may take you a bit more time than just hitting a button and zapping.

But, with a little patience, you’ll end up with some nicely softened butter!

1. Utilize Your Stove or Oven

This method is a variation of the microwave hack above.

Rather than use a microwave, preheat your oven to 200 (or the lowest temperature it will go), and add a baking sheet in there. Then add the butter (wrapped) and let it soften for about 30-45 seconds before flipping to the next side. You may have to do this many rounds over.

Alternatively, you could heat a sauté pan over medium-low heat and add the wrapped butter stick there instead.

layout of printable recipe binder pages

With this method, make sure to keep a close eye on the butter so it doesn’t melt into a puddle!

A softened stick of salted butter on a dark countertop.

2. Try Salt + Butter

This is a weird method that I heard of somewhere. I haven’t personally tried this one, but I’ve heard people rave about it. Sprinkle some table salt on top of the butter and then use a spatula to smoosh it down. The excess water in the butter will create heat that softens it. Plus, depending on what you are making, the salt may help with flavor.

This method only works well for small amounts of butter. Plus, as you can imagine, it leaves you with a very salty butter that you probably don’t want in your baked goods. But, it’s an option.

3. Soften Butter in a Dish Towel

The dish towel method is an old kitchen hack that I’m happy still exists because of how useful it can be! All you need are two towels and some water – one damp, one dry.

Soak the dry towel in water, wring it out, then spread it on a plate. Place your butter stick on top of that wet towel and use the other dish cloth to cover up everything. Let sit for about 30 minutes before removing from dish cloth and using as desired!

A soft rectangle of butter on a wax paper wrapper.

4. Grate the Butter

A cheese grater can be a helpful ally in the butter-softening game.

Grate the butter stick into a bowl using a cheese grater. This is perfect for recipes that are more delicate (think cookie doughs or cake batters).

5. Utilize a Warm Cup

Another method that many people like is to get boiling water and fill a cup or bowl with it. Let the water sit in the bowl for a minute or two, then dump it. Place your butter stick in the bowl and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The heat from the cup will melt the butter slowly!

So, now that you know how to soften butter, which of these methods will you use first? I highly recommend you try my microwave trick…it’s so simple and FAST!

Recipes with Softened Butter

Now that you know how to soften butter, try your hand at a new recipe with that ingredient. Practice makes perfect!

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes
  • Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Chocolate Buttercream Cherry Candies
  • Bakery-Style Super-Soft Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins

Pin the image below to save these ideas for later.

Pinterest recipe for how to quickly soften butter.

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    Filed Under: Home, Kitchen Tips, Recipes, Tips and Hacks Published on June 10, 2021

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    About Erika

    Erika Bragdon is a flower essence practitioner and a second-generation homeschooling mom with 3 kids at home and 1 in college. She enjoys her chickens, goats, and gardening on a small farm in New Hampshire, and is passionate about sharing flower essences and more ways to renew body, mind, and soul with moms.

    Comments

    1. Brandi Yee says

      February 21, 2012 at 8:06 am

      Good idea! I usually microwave it until it’s a melted mess, but then my cookies are flatter because of it lol. Like this idea better! 😉

      Reply
    2. Nichol says

      February 21, 2012 at 10:15 am

      Great tip. I always put mine on defrost so it doesn’t melt and get hot and that also works wonderful!

      Reply
    3. Love is all you need says

      February 21, 2012 at 5:16 pm

      Thanks for the tip! Love your blog.

      Reply
    4. kristin s says

      February 21, 2012 at 8:06 pm

      THANks for the tip! NOw if only I could figure out the secret to keeping the cookies soft lol!

      Reply
      • Erika says

        February 22, 2012 at 7:26 am

        One easy tip I use is to put a slice of bread in the cookie tin; it keeps the cookies soft!

        Reply
        • Sarah says

          March 8, 2012 at 4:12 pm

          something my grandma & mom always do (and they’re the best cookie bakers I know!) is to put a pie or cake pan of water on the low rack while you’re baking , this keeps them soft – even in the container. My boyfriend says I make the softest cookies ever so it MUST work 🙂

          Reply
          • Erika says

            March 9, 2012 at 1:08 pm

            I’m going to try that, Sarah, thanks!

            Reply
      • Kory says

        April 5, 2012 at 11:07 am

        Use sour cream in your cookies! Keeps them super soft 🙂

        Reply
      • Vicky Buckelew says

        December 18, 2017 at 10:48 am

        I always under-cook my cookies by about a minute or so and that keeps them soft. It allows them to finish cooking outside the oven and not over cook and get crunchy. Also always put your cookie dough on the sheet right out of the refrigerator. It keeps them thicker and also soft.

        Reply
    5. Anna at Mama Writes says

      February 21, 2012 at 9:31 pm

      This is an awesome tip!!! I hate it when the butter is too hard and you have to let it soften. When I try microwaving it I always overdo it… I am not exactly a kitchen mom, so this tip is great for mr as it is really fool proof! Thanks, and I pined this on my Pinterest too.

      Reply
      • Erika says

        February 22, 2012 at 7:26 am

        Glad I could help and thanks for pinning! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Katie says

      February 22, 2012 at 11:38 am

      I am DEFINITELY going to try this next time I need softened butter! I never plan ahead enough to have softened butter! 🙂

      Reply
    7. alisa niki says

      February 23, 2012 at 1:43 am

      awesome I have to try this!

      Reply
    8. Rachel Robertson (Azrael) says

      February 23, 2012 at 11:17 am

      I love this tip! I always put it on the top of my stove and usually find it melted all over 🙁

      Reply
      • Erika says

        February 23, 2012 at 1:06 pm

        I’ve done that too!

        Reply
    9. Amy Adams says

      February 25, 2012 at 11:21 pm

      Thank you! I always micro too long and this tip is awesome!!

      Reply
    10. breanna says

      February 27, 2012 at 12:02 pm

      great tip, thanks!

      Reply
    11. Brandi D says

      February 29, 2012 at 12:06 am

      I always forget to thaw my butter too whether it be making garlic bread or baking……hard butter is not easy to work with and melted butter can be a pain too! I love this idea and will be using it! Thank you for posting.

      Reply
    12. Michelle says

      March 2, 2012 at 9:55 am

      I’ve been doing this for years. I thought everyone did it. lol

      Reply
      • Lou says

        March 5, 2012 at 9:37 am

        I thought everyone did it too!

        Reply
    13. JenB says

      March 2, 2012 at 11:49 pm

      I guess I’m probably in the minority, still using margarine much of the time for baking … some brands of margarine have a foil cover, so NOT put them in the microwave with the wrapper still on! *Ü*

      Reply
      • Erika says

        March 3, 2012 at 11:46 am

        Yes, that’s a good reminder. Thanks Jenn.

        Reply
    14. Jennie says

      March 3, 2012 at 6:33 pm

      That’s what I do, except that after the first zap I flip the butter 180 degrees to its opposite side. Zap again. Then rotate 90 degrees. Zap and rotate 180 degrees. That makes it sound more complicated (it’s really not) but it’s just so I can remember which sides have been on the bottom so that it all softens uniformly. Otherwise I get one side that is soft and mushy because I’ve lost track 😉

      Reply
    15. Rita Spratlen says

      March 4, 2012 at 1:54 am

      Thanks for the great tip. I never thought of leaving it in the wrapper!

      Reply
    16. Brooke says

      March 4, 2012 at 3:27 pm

      Microwaving butter changes the chemistry of the butter, if a recipe calls for room temp butter that is what you should use. Softened butter creates a totally different cookie.

      Reply
      • Erika says

        March 9, 2012 at 1:05 pm

        True, but if you don’t have the time to let it soften at room temperature, this works. It’s better than melting it, that’s for sure! 🙂
        Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
      • Deena says

        July 15, 2015 at 12:36 pm

        Microwaves do not change the molecular structure of any foods. This is based on old incorrect information that unfortunately microwave phobia has persisted over time. Here is a great article with backed up scientific evidence and peer reviewed journals on the safety of microwaves and your foods. ““Some nutrients do break down when they’re exposed to heat, whether it is from a microwave or a regular oven. Vitamin C is perhaps the clearest example. So, as a general proposition, cooking with a microwave probably does a better job of preserving the nutrient content of foods because the cooking times are shorter.” The University of Harvard Medical School (18)” http://www.skepticink.com/health/2013/12/21/microwave-dangers-top-5-claims-vs-evidence/

        Reply
    17. Karissa says

      March 4, 2012 at 11:49 pm

      I found that using my rolling pin to roll it flat works that BEST and you still get fluffy cookies!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Erika says

        March 9, 2012 at 1:06 pm

        Do you roll it out when it’s hard & straight out of the fridge? I’ve never heard of that – I’m intrigued! 🙂

        Reply
    18. Stephanie says

      March 5, 2012 at 11:42 am

      I’ve only ever seen sticks of butter wrapped in foil here (I live in Canada) so unfortunately this wouldn’t work unless you wanted a lightening show in your microwave 😉

      Reply
      • Erika says

        March 9, 2012 at 1:07 pm

        Oh yes, that would not work!

        Reply
    19. April says

      March 6, 2012 at 11:45 pm

      Another way that works is 1 minute on 20% power for 1 stick of butter. Works perfect every time.

      Reply
      • Erika says

        March 9, 2012 at 1:10 pm

        I used to try that, but it didn’t work for me. I think that it would probably vary depending on the microwave. But if you can get it to work, it’s easier than rotating it!

        Reply
    20. Amber says

      March 7, 2012 at 10:33 am

      Just saw this on Pinterest! What a great idea. I will for sure be using this tip!

      Reply
      • Erika says

        March 9, 2012 at 1:10 pm

        Yay! thanks for coming by!

        Reply
    21. Jo-Ann Brightman says

      March 12, 2012 at 1:13 pm

      Thank you for the tip. I also have had trouble softening butter. This will be a great help. I pinned it.

      Reply
    22. Tina says

      March 15, 2012 at 11:26 pm

      We microwave ice cream too if it’s too hard to scoop easily.

      Reply
      • Erika says

        May 1, 2012 at 4:12 pm

        We do that too. So convenient!

        Reply
    23. Colleen Maurina says

      March 19, 2012 at 9:50 pm

      Thanks for sharing this cooking tip! I always end up melting the butter which of course usually ruins the recipe. I can use all the cooking tips I can get – keep them coming!

      Reply
    24. Gretchen Gerth says

      March 24, 2012 at 8:44 pm

      I found that grating frozen butter works great for softened butter.

      Reply
    25. Jennifer Fitzgibbons says

      April 9, 2012 at 12:43 am

      I love this tip, I have never figured out the right timing for this. You rock!

      Reply
      • Erika says

        May 1, 2012 at 4:13 pm

        Thanks Jennifer!

        Reply
    26. Alpaca Farmgirl says

      April 11, 2012 at 1:15 pm

      This is a great tip if you don’t have much time. I always put the stick of butter in my apron pocket. Body heat usually warms it up a lot quicker than room temperature.

      Reply
      • Erika says

        May 1, 2012 at 4:13 pm

        Now that’s a great idea too! Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    27. Anne says

      May 9, 2012 at 6:49 pm

      I keep my butter in a small tupperware-ish container with a lid. I just stick it (no pun intended) in the cleavage area of my bra in the morning as I’m making breakfast. By the time I get the breakfast stuff out and the toast or muffins ready, the butter is soft enough to spread. And it always brings a smile to my husband when I whip it out. LOL.

      Reply
      • Erika says

        May 21, 2012 at 12:43 pm

        Lol, I can imagine it would, Anne! My husband would love that too. Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    28. Karen says

      November 14, 2012 at 7:01 am

      Except if the butter you buy happens to be wrapped in tin foil, then you definitely do NOT want to put it in the microwave 🙂

      Reply
    29. Allison says

      November 20, 2012 at 11:04 am

      THIS WORKS PERFECTLY!!!! Thank you soooo much!!!!

      Reply
    30. Heather says

      May 17, 2013 at 10:07 am

      Great tip! I do this too!

      Reply
    31. Pat says

      January 17, 2014 at 9:17 pm

      My family always kids me that I make butter “soup” when I try to soften butter in the microwave. Thank you for this tip. I have got to try this.

      Reply
    32. Clarice says

      February 23, 2014 at 3:19 pm

      I figured out that if I reduce the power in my microwave down to low, like 30% power, it will just soften the butter without melting it. You still have to keep an eye on it though. I will try your 4 seconds each side method and see if it works with our microwave, sounds pretty simple.

      Reply
    33. Sharon Awbrey says

      December 14, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      I just saw this (better late than never?) and it worked like a charm! Thank you so much for posting this.

      Reply
    34. tutorial89 says

      January 22, 2015 at 6:41 pm

      I a man, but I like this tips 🙂 thanks mis…

      Reply

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