Softening butter in the microwave is a little more tricky than softening cream cheese. Here is my method: Leave the wrapper on the stick of butter and place it in the microwave. Turn off the turn table and turn on the microwave at 50% power for 5 seconds. Turn the stick of butter 1/4 turn so that it is on the next side. Microwave at 50% power for 5 more seconds. Repeat the last step, flipping the stick of butter one quarter turn between each 5 second interval. This process generally takes 20-25 seconds for my butter to be softened to my liking, but your microwave may vary.