A Cookie to Celebrate | Royal Icing Recipe

we've all seen those adorable pinterest and instagram worthy cookies.  you know the ones, they are perfectly decorated, absolutely adorable, and almost too cute to eat {i said almost}

so imagine my excitement when i was approached about a new cookbook that shows, the non-cookie decorator in me, simple step-by-step foolproof recipes that will guarantee a stand out, gorgeous cookie that will have you taking to your own instagram account to show off all your stunning creations.

so what is this magical cookbook? a cookbook that will have you destined for your very own dessert greatness?

A Cookie to Celebrate, comes to you from instagram sensation and specialty baker extraordinaire Jana Douglass.  her inspired ideas, detailed instructions, tips & tricks, will have you making the perfect cookie for every occasion imaginable.

here is her recipe for the perfect royal icing.  an essential component for decorating all of her beautiful cookie delicacies.

go out and grab this book, your cookie game will be elevated in no time!  trust me.

Royal Icing

ingredients:
4 lbs powdered sugar
1 cup meringue powder
4 tablespoons vanilla
3/4 cup water

airtight container for storage 

method:
combine all ingredients in the bowl of a standing mixer.  use a paddle attachment, this trick will help you later on while decorating.  a whisk attachment creates more air in your icing, which leads to frustrating bundles later in the process.  please trust me,  give your whisk attachment a break and use the paddle!
slowly mix the ingredients until combined, turning the mixer up to a medium speed.  keep and eye out for the sludge-like mix to brighten into white icing.  as mixing creates stiff peaks; this process takes a while, so be patient.  time varies by mixer, but expect to be whipping for about 10 minutes.
to test the peaks, pull the paddle out of the bowl; the icing should be stiff and create a steady peak both in bowl of icing and coming off the paddle.  cover immediately or transfer to an airtight container.
there are some troubles you might run into; over-whipping your icing is a real problem!  the icing might appear to be okay, but then when you go to ice the cookies, the icing will never dry.  keep an eye on your mixer - a watched mixer does create the perfect peaks!  as soon as you see those peaks, turn your mixer off.  if you're finding that the peaks are not stiff and the icing is still thin, turn your mixer back on, keep going, and have a little faith - it will get there.  royal icing can be a bit finicky the first few times you give it a whirl, but soon you'll be BFFs and you'll have it down!

recipe & images reprinted with permission