Royal Icing Halloween Cookies for 22

Instructions:

1. Cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours to prevent spreading.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll the chilled dough to 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness on a floured surface.
8. Cut out Halloween shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely pale golden.
10. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
11. In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder.
12. Add warm water and beat with a mixer until smooth, then divide into bowls and add gel food coloring.