1/2cupwarm waterplus additional for thinning (optional), divided
3tablespoonsvanilla
1bag2 pounds powdered sugar
2tablespoonscorn syrup
assorted food coloring
Cookies:
2sticks unsalted butterat room temperature
1cupsugar
1egg
1tablespoonvanilla
2teaspoonsbaking powder
1dash salt
3cupsall-purpose flour
Instructions
To make icing: Mix meringue powder, 1/2 cup warm water, vanilla, powdered sugar and corn syrup. Separate into bowls and add food coloring; mix with water, as needed, to thin for piping.
To make cookies: Heat oven to 350 F.
Cream butter and sugar. Mix in egg, vanilla, baking powder and salt. Mix in flour 1 cup at a time to form dough. Roll dough out to 1/4-1/2-inch thickness.
Cut into shapes, place on baking sheet and freeze 10 minutes. Bake 8-12 minutes. Cool completely before icing.
Place icing in zip-top or piping bags and cut off tips. Put cookies on parchment paper. Trace outline first then fill in middle. Use toothpicks to smooth out.
Let dry 6 hours and finish decorating with different icing colors or edible markers.