Shortbread Cutouts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Gradually beat in flour. Transfer dough to a clean work surface; knead gently to form a smooth dough, about 2 minutes. (Mixture will be very crumbly at first, but will come together and form a dough as it's kneaded.)
2. Divide dough in half. Roll each portion between 2 sheets of waxed paper to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2- to 3-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. If desired, sprinkle with colored sugar.
3. Bake until lightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer add water, meringue powder, vanilla extract and cream of tartar. Whisk by hand until meringue powder has completely dissolved.
5. Place bowl on stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. With mixer on low, slowly add 5 cups confectioners’ sugar, a little at a time, until all the confectioners’ sugar has been incorporated. Increase speed and mix until icing is glossy and forms peaks, 3-5 minutes; divide icing in half.
6. For stiff icing (used for outlining cookies), the frosting should form stiff peaks and hold its shape; if needed, add remaining 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, a little at time, until desired consistency is reached.
7. For flood-consistency icing (used for filling in cookie design), a line cut through the icing with a spatula should take 15 seconds to disappear. Add water to the remaining half of the icing, a little at a time, stirring by hand, until the desired consistency is reached.
8. Tint icing with food coloring and decorate as desired. Keep icing covered to prevent drying. Let cookies stand until icing is set.