Four Quick Ways to Soften Butter

So the temperature of butter can be pretty important when it comes to baking. It plays a large role in the consistency of the final product. More than once have I messed up cookies by melting the butter when the recipe called for softened. And knowing me, I always forget to set out the butter ahead of time. You can always set them in the microwave for a few seconds but I hate how it turns out cold on the outside and melted on the inside. So here are three tips to avoid making the same mistake.



1- Cut the butter into chunks- Smaller chunks of butter will heat up quicker than one large piece, especially if placed near a heated area.
2- Pound the butter- Put the butter in a zip-lock back and use a rolling pin or a meat pounder to soften the butter, trust me this is way more fun than it sounds. Then let it get to room temp on the counter
3-  Set the butter over warm water- Ya this always works, the butter just heats right up. But keep a careful eye to prevent the butter from melting
4- Use a Cheese Grater- Its great for beating the butter ahead of time as well.