Butter is more than just a fat—it’s the soul of countless baked goods. From flaky croissants to tender cookies, the butter you use has a direct impact on flavor, texture, and structure. But not all butters are created equal. Some offer rich, complex notes, while others lend neutral consistency. To help you decide what’s worth the splurge, here’s a breakdown of some of the best butters for baking, ranked by flavor and performance.
- Plugrá European-Style Butter
This American-made butter has 82% butterfat and a low moisture content, making it a favorite for pastries and laminated doughs. It delivers a clean, rich flavor and a pliable texture ideal for folding and rolling.
Where to buy: Plugrá Butter - Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
Beloved by home bakers and professionals alike, Kerrygold’s grass-fed butter has a deep golden hue and rich, slightly tangy taste. It’s perfect for shortbread, butter-forward cookies, and any bake where flavor takes center stage.
Where to buy: Kerrygold USA - Président Unsalted Butter
A French classic, Président brings elegance and balance. With a smooth mouthfeel and 82% fat content, it performs beautifully in cakes and puff pastry. Its mild flavor makes it a great neutral option.
Where to buy: Président Butter - Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Butter
Ethically sourced and deeply flavorful, Vital Farms’ butter has a dense, creamy texture that shines in pies and biscuits. The taste is clean with a hint of sweetness.
Where to buy: Vital Farms - Land O’Lakes Unsalted Butter
Reliable and widely available, Land O’Lakes is ideal for general baking when consistency is key. While the flavor is milder than European-style options, it works well in recipes where other ingredients dominate.
Where to buy: Land O’Lakes - Challenge Unsalted Butter
Challenge offers a nice balance of affordability and performance. It’s a solid option for cookies, cakes, and muffins with a subtle flavor and smooth blend.
Where to buy: Challenge Butter
How to Shop Smart for Butter
Butter prices vary widely, especially for premium varieties. Fortunately, there are ways to stock up and still stay within budget. You can earn cashback at Kroger with a Fluz gift card or get a Whole Foods gift card with cashback when shopping for higher-end European-style butters. For more affordable staples, you can buy a Safeway gift card online or check for digital grocery deals through cashback platforms like Fluz, Ibotta, or Rakuten.
Unsalted vs. Salted: What’s Best for Baking?
Always choose unsalted butter for baking. It gives you full control over the salt content in your recipe and ensures consistent results. Salted butter can vary in sodium levels depending on the brand, which can throw off delicate pastries.
Butter Storage Tips
Store butter in the fridge and only bring it to room temperature when your recipe calls for it. If you buy in bulk, wrap extra sticks in foil and freeze them for up to six months. Be sure to label and date for freshness.
Conclusion
The best butter for baking depends on what you’re making—and your flavor preferences. Whether you’re aiming for subtle support or bold richness, understanding your options can elevate your results. And with the right shopping strategy, you can enjoy premium butter without overspending.
