If you’re like me, and you never remember to soften your butter before beginning your favorite holiday cookie recipe, this tip will come in handy.  To soften butter more quickly,  measure out the amount you need and then cut it into smaller pieces. This works because it increases the surface area of the butter meaning the warm air is in contact with more of the butter. Depending on your recipe, you can also use a coarse (large holes) cheese grater to to get curls of butter.

Need more help in the kitchen? Get tips from our food editors. (And don’t forget to check out our Christmas cookie recipes!)