what is a fast way to soften butter
1 Set the butter over a warm water bath if you're in a real hurry. 2  Pour a few cups of very hot (just below boiling) water into a double boiler or a sauce pan with a metal bowl nested inside. 3  Put the butter over the water bath and allow to soften. 4  Keep an eye on it so the butter doesn't start to melt. A few minutes on the counter and the butter will be up to room temperature. 2  Set the butter over a warm water bath if you're in a real hurry. 3  Pour a few cups of very hot (just below boiling) water into a double boiler or a sauce pan with a metal bowl nested inside.