BakeStand

THE VERDICT

There’s no shortage of excellent baked goods in Melbourne, but BakeStand has arrived with a point of difference that might stop you in your tracks: a "Melbourne style" cookie. 

The concept is the brainchild of hospitality duo Vi Thao Tran and Executive Pastry Chef Steven He (with over 25 years of pastry experience and a guest-judge role on MasterChef Australia 2025). They’ve built BakeStand around a cookie defined by its crisp, almost tart-like edges and a dreamily soft, gooey centre. Of course, BakeStand cookies are baked fresh in-store every day, using Pepe Saya cultured butter and Valrhona chocolate. 

Don’t be fooled; these are not your average grab-and-go cookies. The flavour lineup leans into nostalgia and novelty, with the OG Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt flanked by the mind-boggling Vegemite & Cheese (caramel Vegemite, gruyère, mozzarella, dark chocolate chips), Matcha Strawberry, Hojicha Chocolate, Campfire S’more, and the Caffè Mocha, inspired by the city’s famous cafe culture. Complete your treat with a choice from the curated drinks menu, which features Woolshed Coffee Roasters beans and Attakai matcha. 

The new Melbourne Walk store is the second BakeStand location in Melbourne’s CBD, following its Melbourne Central opening earlier in 2026, and boasts interiors inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Think keyhole-shaped entrances, mirror details, and a bit of surreal charm to feel transported from the city’s day-to-day.

Now’s the time to try what just might be the coolest cookies in the state. And if you need a souvenir that gives a real taste of Melbourne, BakeStand’s Artisan Cookie Jars contain bite-sized visions of their top flavours, and travel beautifully.

Words: Kiera Eardley
Imagery: BakeStand | Supplied