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How to Soften Butter Quickly

A pat of butter in an Anyday dish, softened in the microwave until smooth and spreadable.
Soft, Melted & Brown Butter
PT1M PT20M

Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

20-25 seconds

Free Time

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How to Soften Butter Quickly

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Softening butter in the microwave is the fastest, most reliable way to get the perfect texture for baking and cooking. No more waiting for butter to come to room temperature—this method gives you soft, spreadable butter in just seconds. Using an Anyday dish, the butter softens evenly without melting, thanks to controlled heat and steam retention.

Why This Microwave Method Works:

  • The Anyday lid traps steam, gently softening the butter without overheating.
  • The microwave works in short bursts to prevent melting.
  • No mess, no waiting—start baking or cooking immediately!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 stick
  • 1 stick
  • 2 sticks
  • 4 sticks
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

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Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 stick (115g) cold butter, salted or unsalted

Preparation

  1. Place the cold butter in an Anyday dish and cover it with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 20-25 seconds, or until the butter is soft and spreadable.

Suggestions

  • Make flavored butters: Blend softened butter with herbs, garlic, lemon zest, or spices to create delicious compound butters. Discover our compound butter collection here!
  • Perfect for baked goods: Use softened butter in cookies, cakes, or muffin batter. to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency that blends perfectly with other ingredients.
  • Addto noodles or rice: Stir softened butter into warm noodles or rice.
  • Mix it with vegetables: Toss softened butter with steamed vegetables like carrots, green beans, or asparagus.
  • Discover more butter recipes in our collection here!

Recipe Notes

  • This recipe's cook time was tested with cold butter straight from the fridge.
  • If using frozen butter, start with the indicated cook time and add more time in 5 second increments until the desired result is achieved.
  • This recipe works well for both salted and sweet butter.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Softened Butter

See for yourself— microwaving softened butter is simply faster, start to finish. *Includes preheat time

Method Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 10-15 seconds
Countertop 30-45 minutes
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All You Need to Know About Softening Butter in the Microwave

Ingredient Cook Time
1 stick cold butter, salted or unsalted 20-25 seconds
2 sticks cold butter, salted or unsalted 35-45 seconds
4 sticks cold butter, salted or unsalted 40-50 seconds
Cook time calculated for 700w microwave

What is softened butter?

Softened butter has a smooth, pliable texture, making it easy to cream with sugar or mix into recipes. It’s essential for light, fluffy baked goods and even blending. The butter should be soft enough to spread but not melted.

Can I soften butter in the microwave?

Yes! Microwaving butter in an Anyday dish is the fastest way to soften it evenly without melting. Short bursts of heat ensure a smooth, spreadable texture perfect for baking and cooking.

Why should I use an Anyday dish to soften butter?

The Anyday dish distributes heat evenly, helping butter soften without melting unevenly. Its lid traps steam, keeping the process controlled and mess-free.

How long does it take to soften butter in the microwave?

Softening butter takes 10-20 seconds, depending on the amount and your microwave’s wattage. Use short intervals, checking after each to prevent melting.

What can softened butter be used for?

Softened butter is perfect for:

  • Baking: Cookies, cakes, and frostings.
  • Spreads: Bread, toast, and muffins.
  • Cooking: Compound butters, pasta, rice, and vegetables.

What if my butter melts instead of softening?

If the butter melts slightly, stir it to redistribute the heat. It may not be ideal for creaming but can still be used for baking, cooking, or melted butter recipes like brown butter.

Can I soften frozen butter in the microwave?

Yes! To soften frozen butter, use an Anyday dish and microwave in 10-15 second bursts at low power, checking frequently to avoid melting.

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