What is this essential element in every pastry? Butter. This rich, creamy ingredient is every baker’s secret weapon (and the best thing that can happen to our taste buds). Whether you’re baking homemade cookies or a moist cake, butter plays an important role in transforming our favorite baked goods into mouth-watering treats. But if you think you just need to add butter to get these rich treats, you’re wrong. The trick actually lies in how you manage and manipulate the butter during the process. Is cold butter okay for baking cakes? Why doesn’t the cake rise even after adding butter? If you have these and other questions in mind, then you are on the right page! Let’s take a look at how butter should be handled when making your favorite treats.

Read also: 5 mistakes to avoid when making delicious white butter at home

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Here are 5 tips to follow when cooking with butter

1. Choose quality butter for maximum flavor

If you’ve ever wondered why some baked goods taste richer, it’s because of the quality of the butter. During cooking, choose fresh, unsalted products butterwhich will give you complete control over the salt levels in your recipe. High-fat butter adds an extra touch of richness that can make your baked goods creamier and richer. To make it even richer, add ghee with butter for added benefits.

2. Know When Butter Should Be Cold or Soft

Baking isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s also about using them at the right temperatures. For recipes like pies or puff pastry, it is important to use cold butter. This is because as the butter melts during cooking, it creates flaky layers. On the other hand, butter at room temperature is ideal for making creamy, moist cookies and cakes.

A useful tip for determining if the butter is at room temperature is the thumb test: if the butter crumbles under light pressure without melting, it is ready to use!

3. For more softness, cream it well

If you want your cakes and pastries to be light as air, don’t skip the creaming step! While preparing, beat your butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and foamy – this helps develop little air pockets that lift the dough. Consider this a way to give your recipe a head start. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and try to at least beat the butter and sugar for 3 to 5 minutes on medium speed. Trust us, this moist mixture will allow you to make beautifully moist and tender pastries.

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4. Brown butter for deeper flavor

Have you ever tried browning butter? Otherwise, trust us: it’s a game changer! Browning butter adds a warm, nutty flavor to your baked goods. Simply cook the butter over low heat until it turns golden and aromatic. How will you know when it’s ready? You will notice brown spots at the bottom. Browned butter works perfectly in cookies, cakesand even desi mithais. Remember to let it cool slightly before adding it to your dough. This little tip is the magic ingredient that will have your guests asking for more!

5. Freeze Butter for Efficient Cooking

If you’re looking for efficiency, freeze the butter. When used, grated frozen butter slowly melts and adds richness to your baked goods. Freezing butter allows you to mix it evenly without ruining your dough. This tip is especially useful when cooking in hot kitchens or during peak summer season. Frozen butter ensures you get the right texture and helps your baked goods stay crisp, flaky and irresistible.

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