Slice it into small cubes and spread them out on a plate and wait. Using a microwave for this job can result in a quick disaster of melted butter! The microwave method rarely works for me as it tends to soften unevenly. Use this simple hack instead. Heat two cups of water in the microwave for a few minutes or until it's very hot. Meanwhile, cut your butter into cubes and place it in a glass bowl. Remove the water from the microwave and replace it with the bowl of butter. Immediately close the door, but don't turn on the microwave. The steam and radiant heat will help soften the butter in about 10 minutes so that you can successfully cream it with sugar.