To make hard boiled eggs, the typical cooking time ranges from about 10 to 12 minutes once the water reaches a rolling boil. Here is a detailed guide:
- Place eggs in a single layer in a pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pot.
- Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10 to 12 minutes depending on your preference:
- 10 minutes for creamy, vibrant yellow yolks
- 12 minutes for fully set yolks with a firmer texture
- After the time is up, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath for at least 5 to 14 minutes to stop cooking and make peeling easier
If you prefer softer yolks, you can reduce the time:
- 6 minutes yields a runny yolk
- 8 minutes yields a jammy yolk
- 10 minutes gives mostly set yolks but still slightly soft in the center
For fully hard-boiled eggs with firm whites and yolks, 12 minutes in hot water followed by an ice bath is the standard method. This approach prevents overcooking and the greenish yolk discoloration
