How to soften butter in the microwave

The trick to softening butter is to retain the integrity of the butter while heating it to a workable temperature.  You absolutely do not want to melt the butter as you heat it.

(1)  Place necessary amount of frozen or refrigerated butter on a microwave-safe dish in its wrapper, and set microwave to 50-75%

(2)  Use short bursts of 10-15 seconds for frozen butter and 5 seconds for refrigerated butter.  Turn butter after each burst.

(3)  Heat butter until it can be depressed with your fingers but not yet liquefied.