Royal Icing Recipe for Cookies in 30 Minutes

Instructions:

1. Pour your 4 cups of sugar into a large bowl through a fine mesh sieve. Note: This prevents tiny lumps from clogging your piping tips later.
2. Add the 3 tbsp of meringue powder to the sugar and whisk briefly to distribute.
3. Pour in the 10 tbsp of warm water and 1 tsp of clear vanilla extract.
4. Use the whisk attachment on low speed until the powder is fully moistened.
5. Increase the speed to medium high and whip for 5-7 minutes until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.
6. Lift the whisk; the icing should stand up straight without drooping.
7. Move smaller amounts into separate bowls if you plan on adding gel colors.
8. Use a toothpick to add gel color and stir slowly until the hue is perfectly uniform.
9. For flooding, add water 1/2 teaspoon at a time until the icing reaches a honey like flow.
10. Let the icing sit for 30 minutes, then stir gently with a spatula to remove trapped air.