If you’ve ever followed a baking recipe, you’ve probably seen it call for unsalted butter—but what about salted butter? Can you use them interchangeably? Does it really make a difference?
The short answer: Yes, it does! While both types of butter bring richness and moisture to baked goods, the salt content impacts flavor, texture, and even chemistry. In this post, we’ll break down when to use salted vs. unsalted butter in baking, why it matters, and how to substitute one for the other if needed.
What’s the Difference Between Salted and Unsalted Butter?
The main difference is salt content:
- Unsalted butter: Pure, creamy butter with no added salt.
- Salted butter: Butter with added salt, typically about ¼ to ½ teaspoon per stick (½ cup)—but this can vary by brand.
While they might seem interchangeable, their effects on baked goods can be subtle but important.
Does Butter Quality Matter in Baking? 🧈✨
Yes! The quality of butter you use can make a big difference in both flavor and texture. Higher-quality butters, like European-style butter, have a higher butterfat content (82% or more) and less water, which creates flakier pastries, richer cakes, and silkier buttercreams. Lower-quality butters may contain more moisture, which can affect how dough rises and how delicate pastries turn out.
💡 Tip: If you want ultra-rich, bakery-style results, try using a high-fat butter like Kerrygold, Plugrá, or a local artisanal butter!
When to Use Unsalted Butter in Baking 🧁
Most baking recipes call for unsalted butter—and there’s a good reason for that!
1. Better Control Over Salt Levels
Since different brands of salted butter contain varying amounts of salt, using unsalted butter allows you to measure and control the salt in your recipe. This is especially important for precision baking (like cakes, cookies, and pastries).
💡 Example: If a cookie recipe calls for ½ teaspoon of salt and you use salted butter, you might unknowingly add too much salt, affecting the final taste.
2. A More Neutral, Pure Butter Flavor
Unsalted butter lets the natural flavors of other ingredients shine. This is ideal for recipes where butter plays a key role in flavor and texture, such as:
✅ Butter-based cakes & cookies – Like shortbread, sugar cookies, and pound cake.
✅ Pastries – Croissants, pie crusts, and laminated doughs, where butter’s flavor is front and center.
✅ Frostings & buttercreams – A salty frosting can taste unbalanced. Unsalted butter keeps it smooth and sweet.
3. It’s the Standard for Baking Recipes
Most baking recipes are written with unsalted butter in mind. If a recipe calls for butter but doesn’t specify salted or unsalted, assume unsalted.
When to Use Salted Butter in Baking 🍪
While unsalted butter is the go-to for precise baking, salted butter can work well in certain situations.
1. When Salt Enhances the Flavor
In some baked goods, a little extra salt can balance sweetness and enhance richness. Salted butter works well in:
✅ Chocolate chip cookies – A touch of salt complements the sweetness of chocolate.
✅ Brownies & blondies – Salted butter can enhance deep, chocolatey flavors.
✅ Scones & biscuits – Salted butter adds a more savory, buttery taste.
2. When You’re Baking Casually
If you're making a quick batch of cookies for fun, using whatever butter you have on hand is totally fine. The difference is subtle and won’t ruin your treats.
💡 Tip: If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in your recipe by about ¼ teaspoon per stick of butter to avoid over-salting.
3. For Everyday Cooking & Spreading
Salted butter isn’t just for baking—it’s also great for:
✅ Spreading on bread, toast, or rolls
✅ Cooking savory dishes (like sautéing veggies or making sauces)
✅ Buttering pancakes, waffles, or cornbread for extra flavor
Can You Substitute Salted for Unsalted Butter in Baking? 🧐
Yes, but with adjustments! If a recipe calls for unsalted butter and you only have salted butter, follow this rule:
🔹 Reduce added salt in the recipe by ¼ teaspoon per stick (½ cup) of butter.
🔹 If the recipe doesn’t call for extra salt, you can use salted butter without major issues—but expect a slightly saltier taste.
Example:A cookie recipe calls for:
✅ 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
✅ 1 teaspoon salt
If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to ½ teaspoon to balance the flavor.
The Final Verdict: Which Butter Should You Use? 🤔
| Factor | Use Unsalted Butter | Use Salted Butter |
|---|---|---|
| Precise baking (cakes, pastries, cookies) | ✅ Best choice | ❌ Less control over salt |
| Frostings & sweet desserts | ✅ Keeps flavors balanced | ❌ Can make it too salty |
| Quick, casual baking (cookies, brownies, etc.) | ✅ Preferred | ✅ Works fine |
| Savory baking (biscuits, scones, cornbread) | ✅ Works well | ✅ Enhances flavor |
| Spreading on bread / general cooking | ❌ Lacks salt | ✅ More flavorful |
💡 If in doubt, go with unsalted butter—you can always add salt, but you can’t take it out!
Final Thoughts 🥐🧈
Both salted and unsalted butter have their place in the kitchen. Unsalted butter is best for precise baking, while salted butter adds extra flavor to cookies, brownies, and everyday cooking. If you only have one type on hand, adjust the salt accordingly, and you’ll still get delicious results!
Next time you're baking, consider your flavor goals and choose the butter that best suits your recipe. Happy baking! 😊
💬 What’s your go-to butter for baking? Do you notice a difference in your recipes?