When it comes to baking cookies or making dinner for the family, many recipes include butter. However, there are various units of measurement for measuring butter – such as sticks, tablespoons, and cups. This is often confusing. Luckily, with a few simple steps, you can accurately measure butter whenever you need it. Once you've read the recipe and found the amount of butter you need, you can start measuring it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Measuring Butter Sticks
Step 1. Check the packaging of the butter to find out its weight
Butter sticks usually have weight information printed on the package. This can help you measure the butter for a variety of recipes. Check the entire packaging for lines. If there is a line mark, each piece is equal to one tablespoon of butter.
A standard stick of butter equals 120 ml in total, but try to double check the packaging to make sure it's the right amount
Step 2. Cut as much butter as needed
If your butter packaging includes dosing information, you can easily determine the amount to cut. Place the butter on a flat cutting board or plate. If the recipe calls for you to use 44 ml of butter, look for the line marked with the number "3". Use a knife to cut the line.
- Remember, you should use a sharp knife. A dull knife can damage the butter instead of cutting it neatly.
- You can cut the butter along with the wrapping paper. However, don't forget to remove the paper before cooking!
Step 3. Mark the center point of the butter stick
If the butter packaging doesn't have a marker or you've thrown it away, you can still mark the butter sticks for an accurate measure. Take a ruler and measure the length of the butter. After that, gently press the knife into the center of the butter.
Step 4. Cut the butter into small portions the size of a tablespoon
Once you've marked the midpoint of the butter bar, dividing the butter by tablespoons is very easy. First of all, cut the butter in half right at the marked point. After that, cut each piece in half again. Finally, once again cut each stick of butter in half. You now have 8 slices of butter. Each piece is equal to 1 tablespoon.
Method 2 of 3: Scooping Butter into a Measuring Cup
Step 1. Count the amount of butter sticks you have
Each standard butter stick equals cup. If your butter is in sticks, you can convert that measure to a per cup measure without needing to measure it.
For example, if your recipe calls for 2 cups of butter, you will need 4 sticks of butter
Step 2. Put the butter in a dry measuring cup
If the butter isn't stick-shaped or it's not neatly shaped, you can still convert it to cups using a measuring cup and spoon. Start by spooning the butter into a measuring cup.
- Remember to keep an eye on the line of the measuring cup to make sure you're adding the right amount of butter.
- Keep in mind that this method works better with soft butter. For hard-textured butter, it is better to use method number 3.
Step 3. Press the butter with a rubber spoon
When spooning, you need to make sure that there is no free space left in the butter so you don't miss the measurement. After scooping a few times, use the spoon to gently press the butter in the measuring cup.
This will blow the air out of the measuring cup so you get an accurate result
Step 4. Flatten the top
Once you've scooped the right amount of butter into the measuring cup, use a knife or spatula to level the top. This will prevent you from using too much butter for a recipe.
Step 5. Take the butter as needed
Now you have an accurate measure of butter and are ready to add it to your recipes.
Method 3 of 3: Using Water to Measure Butter
Step 1. Slice the butter into cubes
If your butter is hard, has an unkempt shape, or is difficult to measure, this method will work best. Place the butter on a cutting board or plate. Take a sharp knife, then slice the butter into small dice.
Remember, it is very important to make sure your knife is sharp. If you're using a dull knife, you'll only be crushing the butter instead of cutting it neatly
Step 2. Fill the measuring cup up to the first line with cold water
For this method, you will need a measuring cup that will hold at least 2 cups of butter so that it is only half full when the water is added.
- Position the measuring line on the measuring cup at eye level so you know how much water you have added.
- Use cold water for this method. Warm water can melt the butter.
Step 3. Calculate how many cups of butter you need
This method works by measuring the amount of water that overflows when butter is poured into a measuring cup. Use this simple method to calculate the amount you need. Since you put 1 cup of water in a measuring cup, you will add 1 cup of butter when the measuring cup is full. This will show the total volume in the glass.
For example, if you need cup of butter, the volume of the measuring cup should be 1 cups after you've finished measuring
Step 4. Put the butter pieces into the measuring cup
The water will start to rise as the butter pieces are added.
Work slowly so that the water doesn't overflow from the glass. Don't add all the butter pieces at once
Step 5. Press the butter when it has accumulated
You must prevent the butter from accumulating in one area. If the butter causes the water to overflow, the measurement results will not be accurate.
- Use a knife or fork to spread the butter if necessary.
- The butter doesn't have to be spread evenly to get an accurate count, but don't let the butter draw the water out of the glass.
Step 6. Stop adding butter when the water reaches the set point
Keep an eye on the rising water and make sure you stop immediately when the water looks like it's about to overflow.
If you need cup butter, stop when the water reaches the 1 1/4 mark
Step 7. Drain the water
Start by placing the strainer over the sink. Pour water into the filter. Finish by picking up the butter that has fallen into the sieve and then putting it back into the measuring cup.
