Chai-Spiced Shortbread Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

2. Grind tea into a fine powder using a spice grinder; transfer to a bowl. Stir in cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and black pepper.

3. Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer in a bowl until creamy. Add spice mixture; mix thoroughly. Fold in flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a stiff dough forms.

4. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface; roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut dough out with a 2-inch cookie cutter or knife; place cookies on baking sheets.

5. Bake in the preheated oven until edges begin to brown slightly, about 20 minutes.

Cook's Notes:

You might try adding almond extract, or using honey instead of sugar (though you'll need more flour).

Substitute white pepper for the black pepper, if desired.