Use eggs that are 1 to 2 weeks old
Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan
Add cold water to cover the eggs by 1 inch
Bring the water to a full boil over medium-high heat
Turn off the heat
Cover the pan with a lid
Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 9 to 12 minutes
Use 9 minutes for soft-boiled eggs
Use 11 to 12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs
Prepare an ice bath in a bowl
Transfer the eggs to the ice bath immediately
Let the eggs chill for 5 to 10 minutes
Peel the eggs under cool running water
Store unpeeled eggs in the refrigerator if not serving right away