The time it takes to cook boiled eggs depends on the desired yolk consistency:

• For runny yolks with set whites (soft boiled), boil for about 5-6 minutes.
• For slightly firmer, jammy yolks, boil for 7-8 minutes.
• For classic hard boiled eggs with fully set yolks, boil for 10-12 minutes.
• For very firm, fully hard boiled eggs, boil up to 14 minutes.

A common method is to bring water to a boil first, then gently add fridge-cold eggs, boil for the desired time, and immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier

. Summary of cooking times:

Doneness| Boiling Time (minutes)
---|---
Runny yolk, set white| 5-6
Jammy yolk| 7-8
Classic hard boiled| 10-12
Very firm hard boiled| 14

After boiling, cooling eggs in ice water for at least 10 minutes is recommended to stop cooking and improve peelability