Are you ready for a sweet treat that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further! We’ve rounded up 20 mouthwatering strawberry cookie recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From classic favorites like Strawberry Shortcake Cookies and Strawberry Sugar Cookies, to creative twists like Strawberry Lemon Cookies and Strawberry Peanut Butter Cookies, there’s something for everyone on this list.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into the world of strawberry cookies, sharing our favorite recipes and techniques to help you create the perfect treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun project to do with the kids, these deliciously sweet and tangy cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are infused with the sweet flavor of strawberries and topped with a crunchy shortcake-inspired streusel topping. Perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Streusel topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Stir in strawberry jam or preserves and egg.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Top each cookie with streusel topping (see below).
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Streusel Topping:
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Mix dry ingredients and add softened butter. Sprinkle over cookies before baking.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of cheesecake, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. With a crunchy exterior and a chewy interior, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in diced strawberries, cream cheese, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Strawberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brighten up your day with these scrumptious strawberry white chocolate chip cookies that combine the sweetness of strawberries and the creaminess of white chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup strawberry jam or preserves
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Stir in strawberry jam or preserves until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in white chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies
Brighten up your day with these scrumptious Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies, packed with juicy strawberry flavor and a delightful crunch from rolled oats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and oats. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in chopped strawberries and the flour-oat mixture.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies
These tender and chewy cookies are a perfect treat for springtime. With their subtle sweetness and juicy strawberry filling, they’re sure to become a favorite among family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the strawberry jam or preserves until well combined.
5. Beat in the egg until smooth.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a thumbprint cookie cutter or your thumb to make an indentation in each cookie.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Strawberry Lemon Cookies
These bite-sized treats combine the freshness of lemon zest with the sweetness of strawberries, making them a perfect springtime snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup strawberry jam
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add strawberry jam and lemon juice; mix until combined.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Strawberry Almond Butter Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the sweetness of strawberries with the nutty flavor of almond butter, creating a delicious treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup strawberry jam
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
– Chopped almonds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Stir in strawberry jam, almond butter, egg, vanilla extract, and baking powder.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Strawberry Cream Cheese Cookies
Sweet and tangy, these Strawberry Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the freshness of strawberries with the richness of cream cheese. Perfect for snacking or serving at a party, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in cream cheese until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in sliced strawberries.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Yield: About 36 cookies
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Strawberry Chocolate Drizzle Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the freshness of strawberries and the richness of chocolate for a unique flavor experience. With a drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt, these treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Sea salt, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in strawberry slices and flour mixture until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Sprinkle with sea salt.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Strawberry Coconut Cookies
These Strawberry Coconut Cookies are a refreshing twist on traditional treats. With the sweetness of strawberries and the creaminess of coconut, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Fold in shredded coconut, diced strawberries, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Strawberry M&M Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies combine the classic flavors of strawberry and M&M’s, perfect for a fun dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups M&M’s
– 1 cup dried strawberries (such as freeze-dried or dried strawberry bits)
– Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in the M&M’s and dried strawberries.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Strawberry Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are infused with the sweet flavor of strawberries, making them a perfect treat for springtime or any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
– 2 large eggs
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add strawberry jam or preserves and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Strawberry Jam-Filled Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with this delightful recipe that combines the classic flavors of fresh strawberries and buttery cookies. The result is a chewy, jam-filled treat that’s perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup strawberry jam
– 1 egg
– Colored sprinkles or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each cookie, then fill with about 1 tsp of strawberry jam.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Strawberry Crumble Cookies
These chewy cookies are packed with fresh strawberries and topped with a crunchy oat crumble, making them the perfect treat for warm weather gatherings or as a sweet surprise for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups hulled and sliced strawberries
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Fold in sliced strawberries.
6. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Top with crumble mixture (1/4 cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon).
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden.
Strawberry Snickerdoodle Cookies
Elevate your snacking game with these soft-baked cookies that combine the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of snickerdoodles with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. Perfect for a quick treat or snack, these strawberry snickerdoodle cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup diced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
– 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking soda.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and egg. Add cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in diced strawberries.
6. Roll dough into balls, then coat with white granulated sugar.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Strawberry Brownie Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the richness of brownies with the sweetness of strawberries, perfect for a snack or dessert. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup diced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time. Gradually mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Stir in diced strawberries and chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Strawberry Macaron Cookies
These delicate French-inspired cookies are infused with sweet strawberry flavor and topped with a crunchy meringue topping. Perfect for springtime gatherings or as a treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon strawberry puree
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Meringue topping ingredients (see below)
Meringue Topping:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg whites
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and strawberry puree; mix until combined.
4. Add melted butter to the egg mixture; mix until smooth.
5. Fold in sifted almond flour mixture until just combined.
6. Pipe onto prepared baking sheet in small circles.
7. Tap baking sheet gently to remove air bubbles.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm and lightly golden.
9. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Meringue Topping:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whip egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Pipe onto prepared baking sheet in small circles.
4. Bake for 1-2 hours or until dry and crisp.
Strawberry Peanut Butter Cookies
Sweet and Savory Strawberry Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
These soft-baked cookies combine the natural sweetness of strawberries with the rich flavor of peanut butter, creating a unique and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup diced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream peanut butter and butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs and mix well.
5. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Fold in diced strawberries.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Strawberry Pistachio Cookies
Add a touch of sweetness and crunch to your baking routine with these delicious Strawberry Pistachio Cookies.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup strawberry jam
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Stir in strawberry jam, pistachios, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Elevate your snack game with these strawberry cinnamon roll cookies that combine the sweetness of strawberries with the warmth of cinnamon. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup strawberry jam
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Stir in oats, strawberry jam, chopped strawberries, and cinnamon.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat! This article brings you 20 scrumptious strawberry cookie recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From classic combinations like Strawberry Shortcake and Strawberry Cheesecake, to unique twists like Strawberry White Chocolate Chip and Strawberry Almond Butter, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re looking for soft-baked cookies or crunchy treats, these irresistible recipes will have you hooked from the very first bite.
