Discover the Best Butter for Baking: Try the Winner at Walmart

As the air turns warmer and the days stretch a little longer, I find myself drawn into the rhythm of baking. It doesn't matter what's in the oven— cookies , cakes , quick breads —what matters is that the kitchen feels alive with the windows open and the scent of something sweet and familiar drifting through the house.

Growing up, that same familiar scent would drift from my grandmother 's kitchen every week. Her homemade baked goods filled the house and our bellies with warmth.

Butter was always the first ingredient softened in the bowl, ready to be creamed with sugar. It marked the beginning of every cake, every cookie, every sweet memory. It was always the same generic brand, always unsalted and always dependable. It wasn't anything fancy, but it worked, and whatever Nonna baked came out just right.

Back then, I assumed the magic was in the recipe, the exact measurements and her Nonna-approved method. And maybe it was, in part, but one day, when my usual brand of butter was out of stock, and I grabbed a different one without thinking, I realized it was also the ingredients. The final bake was different. It wasn't better or worse, it was just different, and it opened my eyes to how much butter actually matters in baking.

With that baking moment as inspiration, I decided to do a deep dive into all things butter. I searched the stores near me to find as many brands as I could, which turned out to be a dozen (how appropriate for a baking test, right?). I made shortbread cookies with all of the butter brands to find the best butter for baking.

How much of a difference does the butter make? Turns out, quite a bit. Read on for all of the details and to find the very best butter for your next baking adventure.

Related: We Baked Cookies With 10 Different All-Purpose Flours and the Winner Won by a Landslide

The Best Ways To Store Butter

When you buy a dozen butters for a project, you really start to think about the best way to store this baking basic. Butter's delicate balance of fat and moisture makes proper storage essential, especially if you're investing in higher-end or European-style butters. 

In the Fridge

It's a good idea to keep butter cold and covered. Some experts suggest storing butter in its original wrapper, then tucking it into an airtight container or zip-top bag to protect it from fridge odors. Others suggest stashing it in the back of the fridge, where temps stay cold and consistent, unlike the frequently opened door. 

In the Freezer

Butter freezes beautifully for up to six months when sealed in a freezer-safe bag, so don't hesitate to stock up. When you're ready to use it, let the butter thaw slowly in the fridge. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as it can cause uneven softening and a greasy texture.

Pro Tip: Label It

If you buy in bulk or purchase different types of butter, labeling is a good idea. Include the type (unsalted, cultured, European-style), the purchase date, and even its intended use such as "For Baking" or "Everyday Use."

😋😋  SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳🍔

What To Look for When Buying Butter for Baking

1. Salted vs. UnsaltedUnsalted butter is the go-to for baking because it gives you full control over the salt in your recipe. Salted butter can vary in salt content from brand to brand, which can subtly (or not-so-subtly) affect the flavor of your final bake.

2. Butterfat
   A higher butterfat percentage typically means better flavor, richer texture and all-around superior baking results. European-style butters typically contain 82–85% butterfat, compared to the 80% found in most standard American butters. That small difference can make a big impact, producing cookies and pastries that are creamier, more tender and deeply flavorful.
   
   That said, most American recipes are developed using standard American butter, so your results might vary a bit. It's always a good idea to experiment with an ingredient swap like this when it's not a major occasion (for instance, don't change your pie crust butter brand the day before Thanksgiving ).

3. Recipe NeedsCertain baked goods benefit from specific types of butter. Flaky pastries, like croissants or pie crusts, generally perform best with high-fat European-style butter, which has a higher butterfat content that helps create a flakier texture. On the other hand, standard American butter, with its slightly lower butterfat content, is commonly used for cookies, cakes, and muffins, as it provides the right balance of moisture and texture for these types of baked goods.

4. FreshnessAs butter ages, it can develop off-notes or a stale aroma. Always check the expiration date and store butter properly for best results.

5. Texture at UseUsing butter that's too soft or too firm can impact the structure of baked goods. Room-temperature butter is typically ideal for cookies and cakes, ensuring smooth mixing and consistent texture. Pie crusts and scones, where flakiness is key, benefit from using cold or even frozen butter.

6. FlavorButter flavor can vary widely depending on the brand, origin and how it's made. Grass-fed and small-batch butters often deliver a more pronounced, savory, nuanced flavor compared to their conventional counterparts. European butter may also seem more complex, with richer, deeper flavors and a creamier mouthfeel due to higher butterfat and production methods.

Related: People Love Aldi Chocolate Bars. We Ranked Our Top 10

How I Chose and Tested These Butters

As someone who bakes often, I've spent countless hours experimenting with ingredients, perfecting techniques and discovering how each choice can change the end result. When I explored the butter section of my local grocery store a bit more closely, I was amazed at the options lining the shelves.

There were European-style butters with a higher butterfat content, cultured butters with a tangy depth I'd never noticed before and varieties that ranged from unsalted to salted, grass-fed to organic. Some came wrapped in shiny foil like little treasures, while others were neatly tucked in boxes, each promising a different experience. It felt like discovering a whole new palette for baking, and suddenly, choosing butter wasn't just a routine; it was a creative decision.

For this project, I focused on 12 unsalted butters, including a mix of familiar brands I've used before and a few creamery-crafted options that were new to me. Each butter was tested in a batch of shortbread made with just three simple ingredients: King Arthur flour (a previous taste test winner ), sugar and butter. This minimalist approach allowed the unique character of each butter to shine through, without interference from any changes to the base recipe.

Next, I gathered a group of tasters and set up a blind tasting. Each cookie was judged on flavor, texture and overall impression, with no clues as to which butter had been used. To further appreciate the nuances, we also sampled each butter on toast, savoring its pure, unadulterated flavor.

The results were nothing short of fascinating. Some cookies were described as melt-in-your-mouth soft, with a delicate, lingering richness, while others offered a crisp, structured bite, their brightness almost sparkling on the tongue. A few had deep, nutty undertones, while others were cleaner and sweeter, highlighting the butter's pure flavor.

Because of the range of flavors, it was a little tough to definitively say which butters were "worst" and "best," since so much depends on what you're baking, what flavors you like, your budget, etc. I've done my best to call out those distinctions in the write-up that accompanies each butter brand. At the end of the tasting, we were able to crown a winner, but many of the butters on this list are worth your consideration.

Related: We Made Sauce With 16 Different Canned Tomatoes and the Winner Won by a Landslide

12 Butters Ranked From Worst to Best

12.SproutsUnsalted Butter

A budget-friendly, no-frills option, the team agreed that Sprouts butter is best suited for large-batch baking where consistency and cost are more important than standout flavor. The shortbread baked up a bit flat and slightly dry, with a subdued butter flavor. While not a top performer in terms of taste, it's a practical choice for everyday baking on a budget, offering reliable results.

11. HorizonOrganic Unsalted Butter

When baked into shortbread, Horizon butter delivered a warm, slightly browned butter flavor that the team found enjoyable, though it strayed from the classic shortbread profile they expected. The cookies baked up thinner, darker and crisper, missing the signature tender texture of shortbread.

That said, Horizon's rich, toasty character and deep flavor stood out to our tasters, who agreed it's a strong choice for savory bakes, such as savory scones or biscuits , as well as for dishes where a bold butter note adds depth and complexity, like butternut squash ravioli or pan-seared scallops.

Related: I Baked Up 9 Yellow Cake Mixes, and the Winner Was an Absolute Classic

10. Maple HillGrassfed Organic Unsalted Butter

Maple Hill butter, made from milk from 100% grass-fed organic cows, delivered an earthy, creamy flavor with a distinct farm-fresh character. In baking, the dough was easy to work with and produced perfectly crisp cookies with a rustic charm.

While the subtle tang in the finished cookies wasn't for everyone, the butter's unique flavor stood out to some of us—offering a wholesome, artisanal quality that could truly shine in more robust baked goods, such as cheddar biscuits. For those seeking a high-quality, organic butter that brings a true farm-to-table flavor, Maple Hill is a dependable choice.

9. Danish CreameryEuropean Style Unsalted Butter

Danish Creamery butter impressed the team with its rich flavor, particularly when spread on toast, where its indulgent texture truly stood out. The high butterfat content, 85%, contributed to its smooth and luxurious flavor profile. In our baking test, it produced a tender, delicate cookie that crumbled easily. That's less than ideal for shortbread, a cookie where you're looking for a sturdier structure. This butter would likely be a good choice for flakier bakes, such as pie crusts, where a softer texture is a plus.

Made in the U.S. by Challenge Dairy Products, a division of California Dairies, Inc., Danish Creamery blends European tradition with American craftsmanship. It's widely available in major grocery stores and is typically priced just under $5. With its premium flavor, 85% butterfat content, and accessible price point, it's a good option for both everyday use and more elevated home baking.

8. DarigoldNatural Unsalted Butter

The tasting team found Darigold's unsalted butter to have a fresh, clean dairy flavor that was mild and approachable. On its own, the butter had a delicate sweetness with nuanced hints of cultured cream. In baking, it maintained its integrity, contributing a gentle richness that enhanced the cookie's overall flavor without overwhelming it. The cookies had a soft, classic crumb with a light, airy texture.

Darigold is an ideal choice for recipes where other ingredients, like chocolate or extracts, take center stage. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, Darigold also offers a Farmer's Reserve line for a richer alternative.

7. Land O LakesUnsalted Butter

Land O Lakes delivered a familiar, comforting flavor, one that many recognize as that quintessential butter taste. It offers a step up from basic store brands, with a smooth, balanced profile that's perfectly tasty. The texture is consistent and easy to work with, making it a go-to choice for everyday baking and cooking.

While it doesn't quite match the richness, depth and complexity of some of the other butters, Land O Lakes remains a reliable option for those seeking consistency and a touch of nostalgia.

Related: I Tried 12 Canned Biscuits and the Winner Won by a Landslide

6. CabotCreamery Unsalted Butter

What stood out most to the team was Cabot's consistency. It delivered exactly what you'd expect from a quality butter: excellent structure, balance and a clean, straightforward dairy flavor. While we tested the standard version, Cabot also offers an Extra Creamy variety, which promises a richer experience and is high on our list to try next.

Cabot Butter is widely available at Whole Foods and many regional grocery stores and is typically priced between $4 and $6, depending on the variety. It's a good choice for easy bakes or recipes where the butter is used to complement the other ingredients without overshadowing them.

5. ChallengeUnsalted Butter

The cookies baked with Challenge butter had a fantastic texture—crispy around the edges yet soft and tender in the center. Testers enjoyed working with the dough, noting how easy it was to handle, and praised the butter's clean, dairy-forward flavor, which complemented the cookie's sweetness without overwhelming it. Its balanced profile makes it a dependable choice for general baking.

For convenience-focused bakers, Challenge recently introduced butter cubes, an innovative, cube-shaped butter format designed to streamline baking prep. If you haven't come across them yet, they're worth seeking out for their precision and user-friendly design in home baking projects.

4. PlugraUnsalted Butter

Plugra Unsalted Butter is a premium European-style butter made in the United States. It contains 82% butterfat, which is higher than the 80% typically found in standard American butters, which gives it a richer flavor and creamier texture.

In our shortbread cookie test, Plugrá delivered consistent, high-quality results. The dough came together easily and held its shape well during baking. The cookies had a light, tender texture that dissolved on the tongue, releasing a smooth, buttery richness. The elevated butterfat content enhanced the shortbread's simplicity without overwhelming it, giving the final product a refined, bakery-style finish.

With its rich dairy flavor and dependable performance, Plugra is perfect for bakers seeking professional, quality results, especially in recipes where butter takes center stage. It would be a great option for laminated dough or pie crusts, where fat quality directly impacts texture and flakiness.

Related: I Tried 14 Bottled Caesar Salad Dressings and the Winner Totally Surprised Me

3. PresidentUnsalted Butter

Président is an authentic European butter crafted in Brittany, France, an area known for its rich dairy heritage. Made with cultured cream and containing 82% butterfat, it delivers a luxuriously smooth texture and a deep, nuanced flavor. The delicate tang from the cultured cream adds complexity, setting it apart from other butters.

In our cookie trials, the dough made with Président butter was smooth, pliable and baked into cookies with delicate centers. The cookies held their shape beautifully and had a polished, bakery-style finish. The team noted that every bite of the shortbread had just the right hint of sweet butter flavor. Président is a strong choice for bakers seeking a premium buttery taste and classic European richness.

2. LurpakUnsalted Butter

Lurpak unsalted butter, imported from Denmark, is made with cultured cream and 82% butterfat. On toast, it offered a buttery richness that was indulgent, yet not overpowering. In baking, it created a sweet shortbread cookie with a gentle, refined butter flavor that was both elegant and universally appealing.

Available at retailers like Whole Foods, Kroger and Safeway, Lurpak typically ranges from $4 to $6. With its consistent performance and widely adored taste, it's no surprise it tied as a team favorite.

1. KerrygoldPure Irish Unsalted Butter

Made in Ireland, Kerrygold Unsalted Butter has long been a staple in my kitchen for spreading on toast, but during our cookie test, it impressed us in the best possible way. With its rich golden hue and 82% butterfat, it delivered outstanding flavor and reliable performance.

The taste was buttery yet sophisticated, imparting a depth that amplified even the simplest shortbread. Already a favorite for everyday use, Kerrygold has now officially earned its place as a top choice for baking, too.

What's even better, Kerrygold is widely available, including at major supermarkets and big box stores like Walmart and Target, so it's likely you can pick up a box (or three) on your next grocery run.

Related: I Juiced Lemons Using 6 Different Methods and the Winner Was Very Clear

This story was originally published by Parade on May 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.