Royal Icing for Cookie Decorating

Ingredients

• 1
  
  pound confectioners sugar
  
• 3
  
  tablespoons meringue powder
  
• 1/4
  
  cup warm water, or up to 1/2 cup
  
• 1/2
  
  teaspoon vanilla
  

Directions

1. In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder until combined.
2. Add the water and beat on medium speed until very glossy and stiff peaks form (5 to 7 minutes).
3. If necessary spritz more water on the icing till correct consistency is achieved.
4. To cover or ‘flood’ the entire surface of the cookie with icing, the proper consistency is when you lift the beater, the ribbon of icing that falls back into the bowl remains on the surface of the icing for a few seconds before disappearing.
5. The icing needs to be used immediately or covered with a wet towel. If you are not going to use right away transfer it to an airtight container as royal icing hardens when exposed to air.