1. Cookies — Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cookies — Cream: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Cookies — Eggs & vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.

4. Cookies — Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients; mix just until combined.

5. Cookies — Tint & chill: Divide dough, tint as desired, and chill 30 minutes.

6. Cookies — Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough, cut shapes, and bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely, then decorate.

7.

8. Cupcakes — Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

9. Cupcakes — Dry mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

10. Cupcakes — Cream: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

11. Cupcakes — Eggs & vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

12. Cupcakes — Combine: Alternating with milk, add dry ingredients; mix just until combined.

13. Cupcakes — Tint & bake: Divide batter, tint as desired, fill liners 2/3 full, and bake 18–22 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely, then frost and decorate.