How to soften butter in the microwave without melting

Place stick of butter in the microwave. I only needed to use 1/3 cup for a recipe, so that's what is shown here.

Microwave at high power for 4 seconds.

Flip butter so what was on the bottom is now on the top. Microwave again for 4 seconds. (You now have microwaved a total of 8 seconds.)

Continue pattern for a total of 16 seconds. (Microwave 4 seconds, flip. Microwave 4 seconds, flip.)

After 16 seconds, butter will be squishy, but not liquid.

Use a spoon to scrape butter out of wrapper and into a bowl.

Now you have softened butter for your recipes. Use and enjoy!