How to Dye Easter Eggs

Plastic Easter eggs are fun and convenient because there’s no mess, and you don’t have to worry about your kids not finding an egg that could turn rotten after a week. However, there is something inherently fun about dyeing hard-boiled Easter eggs. N.E.T. Egg explains the most eggs-cellent way to color real eggs ahead of Easter with these step-by-step instructions.

1. Plan a Few Days Ahead

You probably don’t want to dye Easter eggs on the same day you’re hosting the hunt. That’s because of the time involved. You want your egg hunt to go smoothly, so have your kids dye the eggs a day or two ahead of time.

2. Boil the Eggs

Place a dozen eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by 1 inch, and then cover the saucepan. Bring the water to a boil, usually about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand another 12 to 15 minutes for hard-boiled Easter eggs.

3. Cool the Eggs

Pour off the hot water. Rapidly cool the eggs by running them under cold water or placing them in ice water until they’re completely cooled. If you place them in ice water, it may take 15 to 20 minutes to cool the Easter eggs.

4. Prepare the Dye

Prepare your chosen dye according to the instructions. You usually mix water with vinegar and then food-grade coloring in a small cup. For homemade Easter egg dye, combine ½ cup boiling water, 1 teaspoon vinegar, and then 10 to 20 drops of food coloring in a cup. Repeat this process for each individual color.

5. Dip the Easter Eggs

Dip the eggs in their cups and let them sit for about five minutes. Use a wire egg holder, tongs, or slotted spoon to remove the eggs. Let them dry thoroughly on a towel.

6. Store the Easter Eggs Properly

Return the Easter eggs to their original cartons until the time of the hunt! That way, the hard-boiled eggs stay fresh until your kids are ready to celebrate Easter in the most fun way possible!

Order Easter Eggs From N.E.T. Egg

Sometimes, plastic Easter eggs make more sense than hard-boiled eggs. N.E.T. Egg has plastic eggs filled with candy or toys, or eggs that are empty so you can add your own treats. Order by the hundreds or the thousands! Contact N.E.T. Egg or call 1-800-458-4116 for more information.