Put all the eggs in pan then put enough water to cover the eggs heat to boiling. Turn down the heat to very low and cook eggs to desired hardness 3-5min for soft boiled and 10-12 for hard boiled. Remove from hot water and emerged in cold water for easy peeling. just now. Report Abuse. Place your eggs in cold water and when it starts boiling, time it for 10 minutes, then place them in cold water or water with ice to stop the cooking process. If cooked too long, the outside part of the yolk will turn green.