Step 1

Place the flour, sugar, powdered sugar, chai, and salt in a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Process until the tea is pulverized and distributed throughout the dry ingredients. If desired, pulse in the cardamom and cinnamon, which will give a more pronounced chai spice flavor to the cookies.

Step 2

Add the butter and vanilla. Pulse just until a rough dough is formed. Scrape the dough onto a piece of wax or parchment paper. Form into an 8 to 9-inch long log. Wrap the paper around the log and roll until smooth. Freeze the dough, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3

To bake, arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat. Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled or frozen log of dough into 1/3-inch-thick rounds. Place on the baking sheet and bake until the edges are just beginning to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.