Night Owl Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Beat butter and sugar together until pale and creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla then fold in flour until combined. Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth. Press into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 mins.
2. 2
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper. Roll dough out until 1/8 inch thick. Using a 2 1/2 inch bell-shaped cutter, cut shapes from dough. Arrange on prepared trays and chill for 15 mins.
3. 3
   Bake cookies for 15-20 mins, until golden brown. Let cool on trays for 5 mins then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. 4
   To make the royal icing, whisk egg white in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Spoon 1/4 cup icing into a small bowl and tint with a few drops of blue coloring. Tint remaining icing orange. Transfer to separate piping bags.
5. 5
   Invert cookies. Pipe a thin border around edges with orange icing then pipe in centers to fill. Pipe wings onto cookies with blue icing. Add Oreos for eyes, 2 brown M&Ms for pupils and a yellow M&M for a beak. Let set at room temperature.