Cut butter into small cubes or thin slices
Use a grater to shred cold butter into small pieces
Place butter between two sheets of parchment or wax paper and gently press with your palm or a rolling pin
Microwave in short bursts (5–10 seconds), checking between each burst
Microwave with a damp paper towel over the butter to prevent drying (check frequently)
Set butter in a bowl and run warm (not hot) water around the outside of the bowl for 2–5 minutes
Leave butter at room temperature for 10–20 minutes, depending on room temperature
Beat butter briefly with a hand mixer or stand mixer until softened