Take eggs directly out of the refrigerator and place in a single layer in a saucepan. Cover the eggs with cold water. Put a lid on the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat. Let stand 18-23 minutes. Immediately drain off hot water; place eggs in a bowl of cold water with ice cubes. Quickly crack each egg shell at the large end and return to the ice water. When all eggs are cracked, remove the shells completely.
Hard-cooked eggs will keep in the refrigerator up to a week. Store in a covered container.