The boiling time for eggs depends on how you like the yolk and white cooked:

• For a runny yolk with set white (soft boiled), boil for about 5-6 minutes.
• For a slightly firmer, almost set yolk, boil for 7-8 minutes.
• For a classic hard-boiled egg with a fully set yolk but not dry, boil for around 10 minutes.
• For very firm, fully hard-boiled eggs, boil up to 12-14 minutes.

A common recommended method is to bring water to a boil first, then gently lower fridge-cold eggs into the boiling water, start timing, and boil for:

• 6 minutes for runny yolks,
• 8 minutes for soft boiled,
• 10 minutes for hard boiled.

After boiling, immediately place eggs in an ice-water bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier

. Cooking times can vary slightly based on egg size:

• Small eggs: 7-8 minutes for hard boiled,
• Medium eggs: about 10 minutes,
• Large eggs: 11-12 minutes,
• Extra-large eggs: 12 minutes or more

In summary:

• Soft boiled: 5-8 minutes
• Hard boiled: 10-12 minutes

Adjust timing slightly depending on your preference for yolk consistency and egg size