Royal icing recipe for cookies (step-by-step guide)

My favorite royal icing recipe for cookies! My recipe is traditional in that it uses meringue powder, powdered sugar, liquid and flavoring. However, what makes my icing unique is that I use lemon juice (instead of water & vanilla) for both liquid AND flavoring (once mixed I do use water to thin for the different consistencies). My cookies have been described as a sugar cookie meets SweeTART. That’s a win! RECIPE Ingredients: - 2 lbs powdered sugar (I never sift, but you may want to) - 1/2 cup 2-4 TBSP lemon juice - 45 grams meringue powder (5 tbsp) (I buy Wilton: - affiliate link) Instructions: 1. Using a paddle attachment (or whisk if you prefer), beat meringue powder and 1/2 cup 2 TBSP lemon juice on medium high until foam forms (approx. 1-2 minutes). Scrape down the sides at least once. 2. Add in the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down the sides. 3. Mix on medium speed for 2-4 minutes unt