What you need to know about these 4 different methods on how to soften butter.

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If you bake at home often then you’re probably very familiar with recipes that call for softened butter. The question is: what exactly is the best method to use for softening the butter? Well, the answer to this question totally depends on your baking situation and your preferences. Do you need it right away? Are you trying to avoid a mess? There are actually quite a few things to take into consideration when it comes to picking out the best butter softening method for you.

For example, if you decided to bake something randomly out of the blue, then you might need a method that softens the butter right away. On the other hand, if you’re more of a planner and you know ahead of time that you will need softened butter for a recipe, then there are some carefree methods that soften the butter at room temperature over time. Whatever your situation is, I cover all of the details and butter softening method specs here with these 4 Ways to Soften Butter!

Butter Softening Method #1: Under a Hot Glass

First, I want to cover the “under a hot glass” method for softening butter. This is the most commonly thought of method when you need softened butter quickly without much of a mess. When I was experimenting with these methods I used the same idea but with a heated glass bowl instead. Either way will work out just fine! Just make sure whichever you choose is big enough to cover the butter completely. 

Equipment:

• Glass bowl or tall glass cup
• Ziploc bag

How to Soften Butter Under a Hot Glass:

1. First, set out the butter on a cutting board.
2. Next, pour boiling water into a sturdy glass bowl, or cup. Let the hot water warm up the glass for 5 minutes. 
3. Then, pour the hot water out from the bowl and immediately cover the butter with the hot, empty bowl or glass cup.
4. Let the butter sit under the heated glass to soften for 10- 15 minutes.

Butter- Softening Method Specs:

How long does this method take? 15 minutes

Level of messiness/clean-up: This method does not leave a big mess behind so you can look forward to an easy clean-up!

Will his method soften the butter all the way through? Yes!

Butter Softening Method #2: Microwave

Next, let’s go over the microwave method for softening butter. This method is really not the best for many reasons but can still work if you need softened butter in a flash. Since this method involves heating the butter itself, it tends to start melting the butter on the outside before having the chance to soften in the middle. The end result is usually partially softened butter in a small pool of melted butter, and a bit of a messy clean-up afterward.

Equipment:

• Microwave safe dish

How to Soften Butter in the Microwave:

1. First, place the unwrapped butter on a microwave-safe dish. 
2. If desired, cut the butter into large chunks or slices.
3. Then, transfer the butter to the microwave and heat it at 30% power for 30 seconds.
   1. Check halfway through to make sure the butter is not starting to melt.

Butter- Softening Method Specs:

How long does this method take? 30 seconds

Level of messiness/clean-up: Since this method requires some heating up, this can get a bit messy and might end up with a messy clean-up. 

Will his method soften the butter all the way through? Sadly, no. It takes some time to soften all the way through, and since the microwave is more of a fast heating method it starts melting the outside before the inside has a chance to soften all the way.

Butter Softening Method #3: Small Cubes on the Counter

Now let’s go over my personal favorite method for softening butter! I like to cut the butter into small cubes and leave them on the counter to soften in the warmest part of my house. This method usually takes about 30 minutes so it’s perfect if I’m not in a rush to start a baking recipe. With this method, I don’t have to worry about accidentally melting the butter or dealing with a messy clean-up afterward.

Equipment:

• Small plate
• Food wrap

How to Soften Butter Cubes on the Counter Quickly: 

1. First, cut the butter into small cubes.
2. Then, spread the butter slices on a small plate and cover with food wrap.
3. Put the plate of sliced butter in the warmest place in your house and let it sit until the butter is softened all the way through, about 30 minutes depending on the temperature of the room.
   1. The warmest room in my house is the laundry room.
   2. During the summer I just put the plate of butter in direct sunlight which usually only takes 5-10 minutes to soften the butter.

Butter- Softening Method Specs:

How long does this method take? 30 minutes – Time varies based on room temperature.

Level of messiness/clean-up: This method does not leave much of a mess behind so look forward to an easy clean-up!

Will his method soften the butter all the way through? Yes!

Butter Softening Method #4: Overnight on the Countertop

Finally, let’s cover our 4th method for softening butter. This one is very similar to the previous method but this one is for those of us who can easily plan ahead. If you already know that you will need softened butter for a recipe tomorrow, then leaving it out at room temperature overnight is the most hassle-free method to accomplish this. This method also pretty much guarantees that you will not melt the butter but that you will have an easy clean-up later on!

Equipment:

• Small plate
• Food wrap

How to Soften Butter on the Countertop Overnight:

1. First, unwrap a whole stick of butter and put it on a small plate, and cover with food wrap.
2. Then stick the plate of butter in the warmest room of your house.
   1. Again, mine is the laundry room.
3. Leave the butter to sit unwrapped overnight.

Butter- Softening Method Specs:

How long does this method take? About 4 hours – Time varies based on room temperature. 

Level of messiness/clean-up: This method comes with an easy and stress-free clean-up.

Will his method soften the butter all the way through? Yes!

More Baking Hacks

Soft Serve-ing Ideas

So, now that we’ve gone over all the different methods, specs, and situations to keep in mind when it comes to softening butter, which method do you think will work best for your baking needs? While you’re thinking it over, here are a few of my favorite recipes to browse through that call for softened butter.

Softened butter is necessary for baking success in recipes like:

• Star-Shaped Graham Crackers
• Mascarpone Tart
• 4th of July Bundt Cake
• Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes
• Funfetti Bundt Cake
• Giant Brioche Buns
• Unicorn Cake
• Unicorn Chocolate Chip Cookies

Softened butter is called for in all kinds of baking recipes such as:

• Cookies
• Cakes
• Muffins
• Quick bread
• Brownies
• Pancakes

Looking for melted butter instead? Here’s my simple method guide on How to Melt Butter.