The Hand Drawn World of Once Upon a Chocolate Chip Cookie

Hey crumb crew, it’s Crispy — back with another sprinkle of behind-the-scenes magic, straight from the storybook oven.

You’ve heard about the cookies. You’ve seen the title. But today, let’s talk about the world of Once Upon a Chocolate Chip Cookie, the new bake-along storybook from Missy Lanning coming Fall 2025, and how it came to life, one cozy kitchen at a time.

From the start, Missy knew this book had to feel like home. Not just tell a story, but welcome you in. After bedtime, night after night, she worked with her husband Bryan Lanning to dream up a world that felt warm, magical, and full of heart.

We’re talking kitchens you can practically smell. Characters you want to high-five as they celebrate. Aprons that remind of you of your Grandma. Ovens that stir up memories. And little corners of every page just waiting to be explored.

Watch the first spread come to life from concept -> illustration -> color.

It wasn’t always easy (some nights ended in full-on redesigns) but every detail was chosen with care: the wallpaper, the teacups, even the cookie jars. Because this isn’t just a backdrop. It’s the heartbeat of the book.

To help bring it all to life, Missy teamed up with illustrator Anastasia Kabanova, whose playful, soul-filled style made each scene feel like a memory waiting to happen.

There are four distinct kitchens in the book, each with its own flavor and story. And when you open it, we hope you feel what we felt: like you could step right in, pull up a stool, and bake something sweet with someone you love.

Until next time,

Your Cookie Correspondent, Crispy 🍪