The Secret to Softened Butter

Hi everyone!

Another baking tip for you all! 

Many recipes state to soften your butter NOT melt it. If it said melted, that would be easy. Just stick it in the microwave (with some wax paper or a cover over it) or in a pot on a stove. But when it says softened...what should you do?

There are a couple of ways to do this easily. If you remember ahead of time, you can leave it out on the counter for an hour or so depending on how hot it is. You can stick it in the microwave for 15 seconds but you have to watch it, otherwise, it might start to melt on you! 

Side note, nondairy butter doesn't take as long to soften/melt as regular butter. I would recommend 30 sec or less for nondairy to become softened. Regular butter might need a minute or more.

A third way...grab a glass and pour hot, boiling water into it and let it sit for about 5 minutes then pour it out. Place your stick of butter under the glass. It shouldn't take long for it to become soft -- probably about 10 minutes. Check by pushing lightly on the butter. If it gives easily, then it's ready to use! 

Easy peasy, right!?

Let me know how this worked for you!