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A finger pressing into softened butter to show when it's at the perfect temperature.

How to Soften Butter Quickly (Hot Glass Method)

Soften butter the quick and easy way with my go-to method: the hot glass trick! It’s fast, foolproof, and gives you perfectly softened butter in 10 minutes or less.
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Prep Time 1 minute
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings 1 stick softened butter

Ingredients  

  • 1 stick cold butter
  • 1 heatproof glass
  • Hot water

Instructions 

  • Fill a tall heatproof glass or mug with hot water. Let it sit for 1 minute to warm the glass.
  • Pour out the water and quickly invert the hot glass over the cold stick of butter.
  • Let the butter rest under the glass for 5 to 10 minutes. The radiant heat from the glass will soften the butter.
  • Check by pressing gently; your finger should leave an indentation without sinking in. That’s perfectly softened butter!

Notes

  • If you over-soften it: Pop it in the fridge for 5–10 minutes until it firms up slightly, or repurpose it in a recipe that calls for melted butter (brownies, quick breads, honey butter, etc.).
  • Butter temperature is so important when it comes to baking that it’s one of my top holiday cookie baking tips.
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