First, let’s address the elephant in the room—or the stick in the butter dish. Why 3/4 cup? Why not a full cup? Because baking is a tiny, beautiful tyrant. That extra quarter cup would turn your shortbread into a greasy puddle of regret. Trust the process, friend.
And unsalted? Oh, this is a hill I will die on. Salted butter is a wild card. It’s like letting your toddler pick the spice level for dinner. You have no control. With unsalted, you are the master of salt. You decide when the party starts. You are the salt god of your kitchen.
Measuring: It’s a Whole Thing
Don’t you dare just eyeball it. I know you’re tempted. You look at the butter wrapper, see the little lines, and think, “Eh, close enough.” Stop it. That’s how we get flat, sad cookies. Use a dry measuring cup. Pack it firmly, like you’re tucking a grumpy toddler into bed. Level it off with a knife. Feel fancy yet?
Wait—what if your butter is cold? Solid? Great question. You can cut a cold stick. One stick is exactly 1/2 cup. So 3/4 cup is one stick plus half of another stick. Boom. Math you can eat. Or you can microwave it for ten seconds. Just don’t melt it. Unless the recipe wants melted butter. Then cry softly and melt it.