To boil eggs for Easter (for decorating or eating), the cooking time depends on the number of eggs and your preferred doneness, but generally:
- For 1 to 4 eggs: Bring water to a rolling boil, then cook on low heat for 12 to 14 minutes
- For 5 to 8 eggs: Boil with the lid on and cook for 15 to 18 minutes
- For 9 to 12 eggs: Boil and cook for about 20 minutes
A common foolproof method is to place eggs in a single layer in cold water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let them sit covered in the hot water for 12 minutes before transferring to an ice bath to stop cooking
. Additional tips for Easter eggs:
- Use eggs that are about a week old for easier peeling
- Adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the water can help prevent cracks and seal any that form during boiling
- After cooking, cool eggs in ice water for at least 10-15 minutes to stop cooking and make peeling easier
Summary:
Number of Eggs| Boiling Time (minutes)| Method Notes
---|---|---
1-4| 12-14| Bring to boil, cook on low heat
5-8| 15-18| Bring to boil with lid, cook on low heat
9-12| ~20| Bring to boil with lid, cook on low heat
Or use the "off-heat" method: boil water, then cover eggs and let sit 12 minutes off heat
. This ensures perfectly hard-boiled eggs ideal for Easter decorating and eating
