Baking treats is a priority, of course– and we always try to prep as much as possible by reserving enough time for all the holiday goodies we'll churn out of our kitchens. But guess what? We're only human. And we'll forget to lay out our butter ahead of time. It's still in the fridge, hard as a rock. So aggravating! We'll make up for it by trying to heat it in the microwave, but it always ends up slightly melted. Then the butter and sugar never cream properly and the cookies spread everywhere. It's a disaster.

Sound familiar? Let us help.

~Why Soften Butter?

When you are baking, recipes often call for softened butter (like 99% of the time!) typically have you creaming said butter with sugar. 

This step is crucial because if the butter is at its magic room temperature, the sugar effectively aerates the butter during that creaming process. It cuts into the soft butter pieces, whipping air into the base of your recipe. Then the baking powder and/or soda helps expand those little air pockets the creaming process created and your finished baked good is light, tender, and fluffy.

~The Butter is too Soft or Melted:

If the butter is too soft and slightly melted, it can't form those air bubbles. The sugar just simply dissolves. 

~The Butter is too Cold:

On the other hand – if the butter is too cold, it's not pliable enough to cream and blend.

~Can we use the butter interchangeably?

No you can't. Melted, softened, and cold butter cannot be used interchangeably in recipes as they all perform differently.

It is crucial that you follow the recipe and start with the correct form of butter. Make sure to read the recipe carefully to ensure that you are using the correct type of butter. (i.e. Salted,or Unsalted).

~How to Soften Butter Quickly:

  There are so many tricks to soften butter quickly, but the following works like a charm each time. And it couldn't be easier. 

-Here's what you'll need:  

2 Cups Water.

Butter, sliced into small pieces. 

A Microwave.

~Directions:

Step 1: Pour 2 cups of water into a microwave - safe cup or bowl.*

Step 2: Microwave it for 2 – 3 minutes until it is boiling.

Step 3: Place the butter into a heat - proof bowl or plate and into the microwave.

Step 4: Close the microwave to trap hot air inside. Butter will soften in 10 minutes.

Step 5: Now you can use it in your recipe.

~Recipe Notes:

*We used a liquid measuring cup.

The more butter your recipe calls for, the larger the bowl or plate (holding the butter) should be. In other words, you don't want a huge pile of butter in a small bowl. You want it slightly spread out so all the pieces can warm up quickly and evenly.

~Other ways to Soften Butter:

There are so many ways you can soften butter.

Here are some of our favorites:

1) If where you live is a hot weather (like Texas) put the butter stick(s) outside in your yard. It will soften up within a few minutes.

2) Small chunks of butter will soften much quicker than the whole stick of butter — especially if it is placed near a warm stove / oven.

3) This is a fun way to take out your frustrations! Put the butter in a ziploc bag and use a rolling pin or meat pounder to flatten the butter. This softens the butter while still keeping it cool. A few minutes on the counter and the butter will be at room temperature. 

4) If you are in a hurry, pour a few cups of very hot (just below boiling) water into a double boiler or a saucepan with a metal bowl nested inside. Put the butter over the water bath and allow to soften. You have to keep an eye on it so the butter doesn't start to melt.

5) Fill a glass or a jar with hot water and let it sit for a minute or two. Then, pour out the water and invert the glass over a pad of butter, waiting a few minutes until the butter looks softened.

Know some other ways to soften butter?

Comment below and let us know and you can be featured in one of our books.

Have fun trying these out! Let us know if you have any questions.

~Hannah and Hailey :)