Creating each treat in the Festive Mint Madness collection is a delightful experience. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your baking sheets or pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder (if using), baking powder, and salt.
5. Incorporate Dry Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Add Peppermint: Stir in the peppermint extract, ensuring that it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Scoop and Shape: For cookies, use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. For brownies or cakes, pour the batter into greased pans.
8. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, depending on the treat. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
9. Cool the Treats: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for about 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Prepare Frosting: In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring if desired.
11. Decorate: Once the treats are completely cool, frost them with the peppermint frosting and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.