How long can butter be left out to soften cook and still good use?

Here's why:

* Spoilage: Butter, like any dairy product, can spoil at room temperature. Bacteria can grow and multiply, leading to off-flavors, odors, and potentially harmful bacteria.

* Melting: Butter melts at a relatively low temperature (around 90-95°F), so leaving it out for too long can lead to a melted mess.

Here's what you can do instead:

* Refrigerate your butter: Store butter in the refrigerator until you need it.

* Soften it quickly: For quick softening, use these methods:

* Microwaving: Microwave butter in short bursts, checking it frequently to avoid melting.

* Warm water: Place the stick of butter in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes.

* Room temperature: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.

The bottom line: It's best to avoid leaving butter out at room temperature for extended periods. If you need softened butter, use one of the quicker methods above.