First, use cold eggs, and don't use your freshest eggs when making hard- boiled eggs. Aged eggs peel much easier. Second, let them sit a few minutes away from the heat before placing them in an ice bath. Allow them to cool in the ice bath for just a couple of minutes, then crack the egg by hitting it against the countertop and rolling it with gentle pressure. Allow cool water from the tap to run in between the boiled egg and the shell.