To hard boil eggs perfectly, the general recommended cooking time is to bring eggs in cold water to a rolling boil, then remove from heat and let them sit in the hot water for about 10 to 12 minutes for large eggs. This duration ensures both the yolk and white are fully cooked and solid

. Here is a concise method:

• Place eggs in a single layer in a pot and cover with cold water about an inch above the eggs.
• Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
• Remove the pot from heat and cover it.
• Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10-12 minutes (adjust time slightly for smaller or larger eggs).
• Drain the hot water and immediately transfer eggs to an ice water bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier.

If you prefer yolks less firm, you can shorten the time:

• About 6 minutes for soft-boiled (runny yolk)
• 8-10 minutes for medium firmness
• 12 minutes for fully hard-boiled yolk

The ice bath after cooking is crucial to prevent overcooking and to avoid a greenish ring around the yolk

. In summary, for classic hard boiled eggs, 10-12 minutes in hot water after boiling is ideal, followed by immediate cooling in ice water