1. Start by softening the butter. Chop the butter into 1 tablespoon sized chunks and place them all into a 4 cup glass measuring cup. Microwave it for 30 seconds on defrost (which is 30% power, not 50% power). Pull it out and stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds on defrost, pull it out and stir. The butter should be soft, but not melted to a liquid form or separated.