If your house is kept too cold, this can prevent the butter from softening fully. Try filling a glass cup with boiling water and letting it sit for 30 seconds. Place a stick of butter standing vertically on a ceramic plate. Drain the water, dry the cup, and place the warmed cup over the stick of butter (making sure it doesn’t come in contact with the glass). Let the cup work its magic for 5 minutes and your butter should be soft once removed. Repeat once more if needed.