Why is there a difference between softened and melted butter when baking?
I once tried to make some cookies and assumed that melted butter would be the same as softened butter. It didn't work out...
Why does it make a difference if you use softened or melted butter? Seems like it all ends up the same if you beat it into a recipe...
Best Answer
Basically, when recipies call for softened butter, they use the creaming method; the sugar and butter are mixed together in such a way that the sugar cuts little air bubbles into the butter. These little bubbles can add some extra puff to the cookies.
If you melt the butter first, not only do you not have those air bubbles, but there's water in butter, so you'll end up getting some gluten development when you mix in the flour and make a chewy cookie ... but more importatly, without the fat being (near) solid, the cookie will slump a lot more, and spread out before it cooks (assuming you haven't otherwise adjusted the recipe to compensate).
There are cookie recipes that call for melted butter; compare the three recipies from the "Three Chips for Sister Martha" episode of Good Eats; the "chewy" cookie uses melted butter.
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Quick Answer about "Why is there a difference between softened and melted butter when baking?"
Melted butter behaves very differently from softened butter, because both the crystalline fats and the softer fats are completely liquid. For baking purposes, the butter is now a liquid fat comparable to vegetable oil, providing the crumb with richness and softness but not contributing to its structure.What happens if I use melted butter instead of softened?
Adding melted butter to your recipe will change your cookies' and cakes' structure, density, and texture: Adding melted butter instead of the traditional softened butter will result in a chewier cookie. Softened butter in cookie dough will give you a more cake-like cookie.Is 1 cup solid butter the same as 1 cup melted butter?
When substituting a liquid fat for a solid, the liquid measurement is reduced slightly; e.g., 1 cup butter = 7/8 cup liquid oil. However, the melting of a solid fat does affect the weight. The impurities and air in the solid fat are separated out when melted.Which is better melted butter or softened butter?
Chocolate chip cookies made with softened butter vs melted butter. In terms of flavor and texture, there's no difference.Does melting butter make a difference?
Because melted butter has already released much of its water content, it makes the finished treats soft and dense, as well as flavourful. Use it in loaves and brownies. Use it in: loaves and brownies. For best results: let melted butter cool to room temperature before incorporating.Cookie Science 5: Melted vs. Solid Butter
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