1 / 8
Photo: Levi Brown
Just the Facts
When a recipe calls for cold butter: Dice the butter, then freeze 10 to 15 minutes. If it calls for room-temperature or softened butter: Cut the butter into pieces; let sit a room temperature at least 30 minutes. If you are short on time, microwave 1 stick at 10 percent power until pliable but not melted, about 1 minute, checking often.