Royal Icing for Sugar Cookies Recipe

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), beat meringue powder and water until frothy and starting to stiffen. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth and thick.

Add more water 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed. Icing should hold its shape without being too stiff to work with. Add desired food coloring and beat until well incorporated.

To thin icing for flooding, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. It should hold its shape for a couple of seconds when drizzled on top of the icing and then start to slowly melt into itself.