Pastel Tea Cookies

Pastel Tea Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tsp meringue powder
5 tsp water
Pastel food coloring

In a large bowl, cream the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy.. Beat in the egg and the vanilla. Combine the flour and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until the dough is easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with floured 2 1/2 butterfly or flower cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 F for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. For the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar and the meringue powder. Stir in the water until smooth. Divide among seperate bowls. Tint to pastel colors. Spread over the cookies. Let stand until set. Makes 4 dozen cookies