Baking trials: How to soften butter quickly

[Nittersing]

I'm surprised!! According to KA Flour, it's the microwave! But you have to stand the stick of butter up vertically and then flip it.
7 to 8 seconds on each end. (1000 watt MW)

https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2023/10/05/soften-butter-quickly

"Microwave (vertical)
Method: Stand a stick of butter on its end (so it’s vertical) on a plate and microwave for 8 seconds; flip so it’s standing on its other end, then microwave 8 more seconds
Total time: 16 seconds
Verdict: Completely and evenly softened, without any greasy sections or cold, hard sections. Mine got a little too soft; next time, I’ll try 7 seconds on each side."

The rest of the article is the other methods they tried.

[Macrophylla]

1. Yes microwave

But defrost on its side for 1 min Flip half way.

[cloudbase]

2. My (newish) microwave has a setting for that.

I'm livin' large!

[Kali]

3. interesting

I come close to filing for divorce when I see that zapped hole of melted butter after the spouse nukes it. I thwarted him buy finding a cool enamelware (metal) butter dish.

[snowybirdie]

4. I have a special

Butter melt button on my microwave, two stages, soft or melt

[HeartsCanHope]

5. I grate my butter for biscuits and cookies.

It doesn't get too soft, but it's easier to incorporate into whatever I'm baking. Can't remember where I saw it being done, but it sure makes a difference!