Prepare the Dough: Beat room-temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually mix in granulated sugar and lemon zest, then add egg yolk and vanilla extract. Incorporate a few drops of yellow gel food coloring.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, fine salt, and baking powder. Slowly add to wet ingredients mixing on low speed until just combined.

Color the Dough: Scoop out a small portion of the dough and knead in orange gel food coloring for decorative elements like the chick’s beak and feet.

Shape the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll yellow dough into balls (about 1.5 inches), then flatten slightly and place on a lined baking sheet.

Decorate the Cookies: Use orange dough to create beaks and feet, press onto yellow cookies with black sprinkles for eyes. Shape tiny wings from any remaining yellow dough.

Chill (Optional): Refrigerate shaped cookies for about 15 minutes to maintain their shape while baking.

Bake: Place cookies in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes or until edges are barely golden. Remove and let cool slightly.

Cool: Let cookies cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.