Tired of poking tiny holes in the top and bottom with a pin, standing over the sink, and blowing the contents from one end of the egg out the other? It turns out the best way to prepare Easter eggs is to simply learn how to hard boil eggs for Easter. Not only is boiling Easter eggs easier than standing over the sink trying to undo nature, but hard-boiled Easter eggs are easier to work with, easier to hide (say, inside the cookie jar or an adult Easter basket), and less delicate for tiny hands to handle. Make this method part of your Easter traditions, and your pre-holiday prep will be easier year after year.

How to Boil Eggs for Easter

What You’ll Need

Big potWaterStrainer or spiderEggsTimerLarge bowlIce water

Directions

  1. Boil water. Fill a big pot about ⅔ of the way with water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Place eggs in water. Once the water is boiling, gently lower your eggs in, a few at a time—a small strainer or spider is ideal for the job. Lower the eggs all the way to the bottom of the pot so they roll quietly off the strainer (otherwise they could crack when they hit the pot floor).
  3. Lower to a simmer. Immediately set a timer for 10 minutes. Turn down the heat slightly so the water is simmering vigorously but not boiling—that can cause the eggs to bump into one another, causing fissures and cracks.
  4. Transfer to ice bath. While the eggs are boiling, fill a large bowl with ice water. When the timer goes off, use your spider or strainer to lift the eggs out of the boiling water and immediately transfer to the ice bath. Let cool until easy to handle, and then dye or decorate as you like. This classic hard-boiled egg preparation yields a sturdy egg perfect for dying various shades of spring pastels. Want richer, more vibrant colors? Try boiling brown eggs.