Airplane Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

For the sugar cookies: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together just until combined, about 5 minutes.
Add the vanilla and salt and beat a moment more, just to bring together.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour.
Beat just until it comes together.
Form the dough into equal-sized balls (about 24).
Cover in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
On a lightly floured work surface, use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll the dough balls out to a 1/4-inch thickness.
With a lightly floured cookie cutter, cut the cookies out in desired shapes and transfer them to a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Bake until the cookies are very light golden brown around the edges, about 10 minutes.
Let cool completely before decorating with royal icing.
For the royal icing: Combine the confectioner's sugar, meringue powder and vanilla in a large bowl.
With an electric hand mixer running on low speed, very gradually beat in 1/2 cup water, checking the consistency once most of the water has been added.
Beat until the icing holds a ribbon, adding more water as needed.
If too loose, add more sugar.
If coloring the royal icing, add a few drops of food coloring to the finished icing and slowly mix until completely incorporated.