How to Soften Butter in a Microwave

Need your refrigerated butter softened fast? Read on!

Easy. Microwave that butter to the perfect consistency, then get those cookies rolling! Here's how:

To soften butter:

Place your stick of butter on a microwave-safe dish. Put 40 seconds on the microwave time. You'll want to stay close by and watch the butter so it doesn't start to melt into liquid. 
After the first 10 seconds, stop the microwave. If the butter is soft enough to use, take it out at this point. Otherwise, flip the stick of butter on its side a quarter turn and continue for another 5 to 10 seconds, then check again.
Continue to do this every 5 to 10 seconds until the butter is the softness you want. Remember that all microwaves are different in intensity so you should check frequently to see if it’s softened enough to your liking. For some high-powered microwaves, 10 or 15 seconds will do it.
For melted butter: If your recipe calls for melted butter, you can do that easily in the microwave too. Remove the butter from the wrapper and place it in a microwave-safe dish or 2-cup measuring cup. 
Place a piece of wax paper over the top (to avoid splattering the inside of your microwave with grease--eew, messy), and start as above, checking at 10-second intervals until the butter is completely melted. 
Give the butter a quick stir and allow it to cool down a bit before adding it to your recipe, especially if you are adding it to eggs.
Then, whatever you're making, don't forget to invite your friends over to help eat it up!