How to Soften Butter
Learn how to soften butter to room temperature with these 4 methods. These quick and easy tips will help speed up the process!
Equipment
- Plate
- Knife
- Bowl or cup of hot water (if microwave steaming)
- Stand mixer with bowl and beater (if whipping)
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter
Instructions
- Counter method: Set the stick of butter out on the counter to soften about 1-2 hours before using. You can also cube the butter and let it sit out on a plate so that it softens faster (this usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when you can press a fingerprint into it.
- Microwave method: Unwrap and place on a microwave safe plate. Set the microwave to 50% power and microwave for 5 seconds. Flip and microwave for 5 additional seconds. Press on the butter after 10 seconds to see if it has softened. If it is still hard, microwave in 5 second increments until softened.
- Microwave steaming: Unwrap, slice into cubes and set on a plate. Place a bowl or cup with hot water in the microwave. Microwave for 2 minutes or until it is steaming. Remove the water and then place the butter plate into the microwave and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until it has softened.
- Whipping method: Unwrap and cut into 1/2-inch slices and place in the bowl of your stand mixer. Then place the bowl on the stand mixer and attach the beater. Beat on low speed for 1-2 minutes, or until softened. Make sure to scrape down the sides half way so it gets evenly whipped.
Nutrition
Serving: 1Tablespoon, Calories: 68kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.01g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 61mg, Potassium: 2mg, Sugar: 0.01g, Vitamin A: 235IU, Calcium: 2mg, Iron: 0.002mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
