There are many different ways you can soften butter, each requiring different amounts of time. For your best and most consistent results, we recommend taking the butter out of the refrigerator and leave at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before you plan to use it. But if you are short on time, there are a few shortcuts you can try.

Properly softened butter should yield slightly to gentle pressure.

1. 1
   Take the butter out of the refrigerator and leave it out for about 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to use it.
2. 2
   Cut the butter into small pieces and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
3. 3
   You can also decrease softening times by placing it between two sheets of waxed or parchment paper and rolling it until it is about half an inch thick.
4. 4
   Place butter on a plate and set the plate over a bowl of hot water until the butter softens. Turn the stick periodically and check to make sure the butter does not melt.
5. 5
   Grate a stick of cold butter against the large holes of the grater. Let the butter sit a few minutes to come to room temperature.