Help! I Accidentally Bought Unsalted Butter!

Decorating By Momofjakeandjosh Updated 13 Jan 2007 , 4:04am by berryblondeboys

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Momofjakeandjosh Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 6:50pm
post #1 of 12

I had my sticks of butter softening on the counter to make some NFSC for a cookie bouquet, and I noticed they were unsalted. Can I use these? If so, how much salt do I add to the recipe?

11 replies
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shelbur10 Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 6:57pm
post #2 of 12

You can add 3/8 tsp of salt to one stick of unsalted butter.

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aminium Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 7:00pm
post #3 of 12

the recipe I use for sugar cookies calls for unsalted butter, just double check your recipe to see what you need.

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berryblondeboys Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 7:27pm
post #4 of 12

I've always been under the impression that unsalted butter was best for baking and salted butter for the dinner table. That's the rule of thumb I follow.

I know my MIL from Europe was APPALLED when she discovered that butter had salt in it and she didn't know it the first time she made some dessert she makes often. I think she threw it all out!

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Momofjakeandjosh Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 11:02pm
post #5 of 12

Really? I should use unsalted? What will it do to the flavor of the cookies. My recipe just says butter or margarine, so I just assumed salted.

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CupOfButter Posted 12 Jan 2007 , 11:08pm
post #6 of 12

I only use unsalted butter for my cookies and cakes. I've been baking and decorating for over 11 years now and have never used salted butter.

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SILVERCAT Posted 13 Jan 2007 , 2:25am
post #7 of 12

What about buttercream icing? I usually buy salted butter and I went to take my butter out for the am and realized that I have only one of salted and one unsalted! Does it matter for icing?

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ladyonzlake Posted 13 Jan 2007 , 2:30am
post #8 of 12

I use unsalted butter for cakes, cookies, & frosting. You'll be fine. I make IMBC with unsalted butter.
Jacqui

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Momof4luvscakes Posted 13 Jan 2007 , 2:35am
post #9 of 12

I make my frosting with 1 stick of each.

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patton78 Posted 13 Jan 2007 , 2:48am
post #10 of 12

You can use either salted or unsalted for all of the items mentioned. Unsalted is better, and recommend by most bakers and chefs, because it allows you to control the salt content of your product. Salted butter has a longer shelf life because the salt acts as a preservative, always be sure to check the expiration dates on the butter package. You will get fresher butter when you buy the unsalted because it has a shorter shelf life, hence it is on the shelf for a shorter period of time, just make sure you always check the expiration dates.

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Sugarbunz Posted 13 Jan 2007 , 3:38am
post #11 of 12

I've used both unsalted and salted in sugar cookies - I always used salted before I started baking more (I switched to unsalted when I made a VERY salty cake with salted instead of unsalted butter ewww), I think in the case of cookies, you will be ok. Just add a little bit (a very little) of salt to your dough.

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berryblondeboys Posted 13 Jan 2007 , 4:04am
post #12 of 12

here you go:

http://www.slashfood.com/2005/12/10/salted-versus-unsalted-butters/

I think you are probably used to salty cookies and cakes, so it might taste a bit weird at first, but really, unsalted is better - tasting and healthwise too.

Melissa

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