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How to Cream Butter and Sugar

Learning how to cream butter and sugar is a skill that is foundational to making good cookies. And the good news is, it’s super easy!

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Close up of butter and sugar being creamed in a mixing bowl.

Why Cream Butter and Sugar

I know it seems silly to put such an emphasis on how to cream butter and sugar together. Because really, if it gets mixed in the end does it really matter? The answer is yes. It does matter! Creaming butter and sugar together introduces air into the mixture, creating a lighter and fluffier texture. Which, hi, who doesn’t want that?

Creamed butter and sugar on a spatula. Mixer is blurred out in the background.

How to Cream Butter and Sugar

  1. Take the butter out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. You will want your butter to be soft but not melted. I recommend using salted butter, but you can use unsalted if that’s what you have on hand. 
  2. Measure desired amounts of butter and sugar and put them into a bowl or your stand mixer
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or using an electric hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy. 
  4. Scrape down the sides with a spatula and continue beating. This process typically takes anywhere from 2-5 minutes. You will know it is ready when the mixture is pale in color and has increased in volume. Be careful not to overmix once it has reached this point.
Aerial view of butter and sugar being creamed in a mixer.

Can I cream Margarine instead of Butter?

Yes! You can follow these steps to cream margarine together with sugar, but the baked goods will have a different texture and flavor.

What sugar should I use?

Granulated white sugar is typically used for creaming with butter, as it dissolves easily. However, brown sugar can also be used for creaming, resulting in a softer texture and richer flavor.

Can I cream butter and sugar ahead of time and refrigerate it?

Yes, you can cream butter and sugar in advance. Just make sure to bring the mixture back up to room temperature prior to using it in your recipe.

Creamed butter & sugar on a spatula with words "How to Cream butter and sugars" across the bottom.

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Close up of butter and sugar being creamed together.

How to Cream Butter and Sugar

Learning how to cream butter and sugar is a skill that is foundational to making good cookies. And the good news is, it’s super easy!
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • butter
  • sugar

Instructions

  • Follow the amounts of butter and sugar called for in the recipe you are making.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, combine the butter and sugar together.
  • The butter should be room temperature- not hard, right out of the fridge but also not melted. If you need to bring your butter to room temperature quickly, I suggest microwaving for 20 seconds on 50% power, turning over the butter and microwaving for an additional 10 seconds on 50% power.
  • Mix the butter and sugar together, scraping the sides periodically, for approx 2 minutes, or until the mixture has lightened in color and is fluffy in texture.
  • Proceed with the recipe you are following.
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