How to Soften Butter Quickly (5 Easy Methods!)

Need to soften butter fast? Here are 5 easy ways to soften butter quickly without melting it—perfect for baking, cooking, and spreading!

Not sure when to use salted vs. unsalted butter, check out our guide!

We’ve all been there—you’re ready to bake cookies or whip up a buttery frosting, and then you realize… your butter is rock-hard.

Letting it sit out for an hour isn’t an option when you need it right now. So, how do you soften butter quickly without melting it into a puddle?

I’ve got you covered! Here are 5 foolproof ways to get perfectly softened butter in minutes.

1. Cut It Into Small Pieces (Fastest No-Heat Method)

• Slice your butter into small cubes or thin slices and spread them out on a plate.
• The increased surface area helps it soften in just 10-15 minutes instead of an hour.

Bonus Tip: If you have a warm kitchen, place the plate near (but not on) your stovetop while the oven preheats.

2. Use a Warm Glass (No Microwave Needed)

This is my favorite hack for softening butter without any risk of melting.

1. Fill a glass or ceramic mug with hot water.
2. Let it sit for 30 seconds, then dump out the water.
3. Place the warm glass upside-down over the butter stick.
4. Wait 1-2 minutes—the residual heat will gently soften the butter.

This method works like a charm for small amounts of butter, like when you’re making toast or a batch of buttercream.

3. Microwave in 5-Second Bursts

If you’re in a rush, the microwave is your best friend—but use caution!

1. Place the butter on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Use LOW power (10-20%) and microwave in 5-second bursts.
3. Flip the butter after each burst to soften evenly.

Pro Tip: Avoid microwaving for too long—if it starts to melt, it won’t cream properly in baking recipes!

4. Grate It Like Cheese

Yes, you read that right—grab a cheese grater!

• Grating cold butter instantly turns it into soft, airy shreds.
• Perfect for mixing into doughs, pastry crusts, or mashed potatoes.

This is a game-changer when you need room-temperature butter fast but don’t want to risk melting it.

5. Use a Rolling Pin

If you’re feeling a little extra, here’s a fun trick:

1. Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper.
2. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin until it flattens.
3. Fold it over and roll again—repeat a couple of times.

The friction helps soften the butter within minutes, making it perfect for baking.

More Tips to Make YOU Better in the Kitchen!

• How to Make Heavy Cream (With Just Two Ingredients!)
• Baking Dish and Casserole Conversion Guide
• The Best Way to Crack an Egg
• 7 Things You Can Substitute for Oil in Cake Mix

What’s Your Favorite Butter Hack?

Now that you know how to soften butter fast, which method will you try first?

Let me know in the comments—and if you have a secret butter-softening trick, I’d love to hear it!