The fastest ways to soften butter are to increase its surface area or warm it gently without melting it. Which method to use depends on whether you have a microwave.

No microwave

• Cut the butter into small cubes and spread them out; they will usually soften in 10–15 minutes at room temperature because more surface is exposed to the air.

• Put the butter between two sheets of parchment or in a zip-top bag and pound/roll it flat with a rolling pin; it becomes spreadable in 1–2 minutes while staying cool.

• Heat a glass or bowl with very hot water, empty it, then place it upside down over the butter; trapped steam softens a stick in about 5–10 minutes.

With a microwave

• Put the unwrapped butter on a plate and microwave at 20–30% power for 5–7 seconds at a time, rotating the stick between bursts until it yields to a gentle press but is not shiny or melted in spots.

• Alternatively, heat a large cup or bowl of water in the microwave until very hot, remove it, then quickly put the butter inside the closed (but off) microwave; the residual warmth softens it in about 10 minutes without melting.