diff --git a/cook.sh b/cook.sh
index 7fb8c9dea..ac18a7e01 100755
--- a/cook.sh
+++ b/cook.sh
@@ -223,6 +223,7 @@ then
         done
     else
         echo "cook.sh: recipe '$1' not found" >&2
+        exit 1
     fi
 else
     usage "{package}"