How to Make Butter From Fresh Cow's Milk

Making butter from cow's milk takes some time, but is worth the effort.

It is common knowledge that butter is derived from milk. Most of the butter you find in your grocery store is made from cow's milk. You can make fresh butter at home if you are willing to put forth a little time and effort. Making your own butter lets you control exactly what is in the finished product, and ensure that your ingredients and product are fresh.

Things You'll Need

• Whipping cream
• Salt
• Glass jar with lid
• Stand mixer

Instructions

Jar Method

1. Leave the cream covered on your counter until it comes to room temperature. The ideal temperature is 68 degrees F. Check this with a dairy thermometer, or just gauge by feel. Avoid heating artificially, or you may create a different chemical process that could alter the quality of the butter.

2. Pour the cream into a glass jar and screw on the lid securely. Shake the jar vigorously for 30 minutes to one hour. Ask someone else to help and work in shifts if it seems too difficult.

3. Continue to shake the jar until the cream turns into butter inside. When there is very little liquid still visible, your butter is finished. Pour off any buttermilk left inside and store it in the fridge for another use. Empty your butter out onto a clean dish. Wash the butter with cold water to remove any remaining buttermilk. Continue to wash until the water runs clear.

4. Add salt to your butter and mix it in to taste. Press it into a brick or ball and store it in the fridge. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap to keep air out so the butter doesn't spoil or take on off flavors.

Mixer Method

1. Leave the cream covered on your counter until it comes to room temperature. The ideal temperature is 68 degrees F. Check this with a dairy thermometer, or just gauge by feel. Avoid heating artificially, or you may create a different chemical process that could alter the quality of the butter.

2. Pour the cream into the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Start the mixer at high speed and gradually lower it as the cream gets stiff. Keep mixing until clumps of butter in buttermilk begin to form.

3. Pour off any buttermilk left in the bowl and store in the fridge for another use. Empty butter out onto a clean dish. Wash the butter with cold water to remove any remaining buttermilk. Continue to wash until the water runs clear.

4. Add salt to your butter and mix it in to taste. Press it into a brick or ball and store it in the fridge. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap to keep air out so the butter doesn't spoil or take on off flavors.

References

• Making Your Own: Make Your Own Butter