how long to cook boiled eggs

June 27, 2026 • 1 min read

For large eggs started in gently boiling water:

Soft-boiled (runny yolk): about 6 minutes

Jammy/medium (soft center, set white): about 7–8 minutes

Hard-boiled (fully set yolk): about 10–12 minutes

Basic method:

Put eggs in a single layer in a pot and cover with cold water by about 2–3 cm.

Bring to a gentle boil, then start your timer (use the times above).

When time is up, move eggs straight into ice water or very cold tap water for a few minutes so they stop cooking and peel more easily.

If your eggs are smaller, subtract about 1 minute; if they’re extra‑large or you live at high altitude, add 1–2 minutes.

Kadirvelan

Written by Kadirvelan

"The habit of reading is the only enjoyment in which there is no alloy." — This philosophy guides my writing and exploration of ideas.

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