From swoon-worthy beaches to incredible breweries, everyone knows this glorious city of ours can be a bit of an overachiever. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some lesser-known, and downright delectable draw cards on offer – such as a bourgeoning, freshly-baked cookie scene courtesy of our stellar cohort of specialty baked goods purveyors.

And sure, while the concept of a ‘burgeoning cookie scene’ might be (mildly amusing) news for some, for true connoisseurs – scoping out and sampling these sweet morsels and their infinite iterations can be serious business. The ultimate, anytime treat that lands somewhere between snack and dessert, the humble cookie really does have it all: Portable. Portion-sized (theoretically). Satisfying. More flavours than you can dream of…

We could happily dedicate our days to munching our way through the finest cookies the Gold Coast alone has to offer, and never get bored. If this too sounds like your kinda bucket list, here’s some of the best cookie spots the GC has to offer – for your utmost snacking pleasure.

The Milkman’s Cookies
When two chirpy Gold Coast mates embarked on a quest to master the perfect cookie, it wasn’t long until the budding bakers had their eureka moment. Deciding to take a punt on hawking their sugary, secret weapon at the weekly HOTA Farmers’ Markets, the duo found colossal success – consistently selling out of their meticulously crafted wares, week in, week out. After finding fame among local sugar fiends, the next logical step for the duo was to branch into national distribution. And since we can now officially get out Milkman’s fix at locations like Harris Farm, it’s safe to say, mission successful on that front too, lads.
The one to munch: Biscoff White Choc – need we say more… (aside from ‘keep ‘em coming, please’)
Where: HOTA Markets at Bundall every Sunday, Alfred’s Apartment, Harris Farm Markets(QLD) and online.

Paddock
A cute and unassuming cottage tucked in a leafy backstreet of Burleigh – beyond Paddock’s slice-of-suburbia vibing picket fence, lies a spot famous for churning out some of the best baked goods in town. And whatever the state-of-the-art bakers kitchen is whipping up on any given day, we’re having. ‘We’re fully grown adults’, we remind ourselves, as we resist the urge to smoosh our entire face against built-in viewing window, gazing at the alchemists working their magic within. Instead, guide that kid-in-a-candy-store enthusiasm in the general direction of the cabinet, where you can make your selection between flaky pastries, buttery tarts and, of course, a selection of gooey, soft-baked cookies, stuffed within an inch of their lives.
The one to munch: The Triple Threat, a combo of Macadamia Cookie, Nutella Bombs & Salted Caramel has it all (and if you have to share, it also comes in a whopper 1KG version!).
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Gold Coast Cookies
Currently in its GC bake-over era – from cafes, to Coles Express, seemingly everywhere we turn nowadays, we’re greeted by Gold Coast Cookies… and we’re not mad about it. From humble beginnings, hand-delivering cookies for free around the city, bringing buttery hand-baked joy in the first few months of the pandemic, to supplying to over 150 cafes nationwide in the space of a year – owner Christina’s pandemic hobby got out of hand, fast. These days, you can find the painstakingly developed recipes and flavour combo’s in stockists all over town (track them down via DM on socials while their new website is in the works).
The one to munch: The brand new Buena flavour, bursting with choc chips and topped with white chocolate hazelnut cream, has us enchanted. Bliss.
Where: Coles Express (QLD), select cafes and online

Currumbin Cookies
The signature treats on offer at Currumbin Cookies are truly something special. Delightfully different from others you’ll find on the Coast, what sets them apart is that they use a sourdough base for their sweet little parcels of perfection. The result is a light and fluffy crumb, crispy exterior and a more complex taste profile – yum! Another dough whisperer you can find at local markets.
The one to munch: Brown butter, chocolate and pecans – a delectable combo, eh?
Where: Burleigh Market and Palm Beach Farmers Market every Saturday, The Village Markets every second Sunday.

Custard Canteen
If you’ve ventured by Tallebudgera Creek in recent years (and if you haven’t… we have questions) then you’d most probably be familiar with the requisite Custard Canteen pit stop, convenient as it is downright delicious. Churning out all-day brunch staples and delightfully buttery treats daily, it’s little wonder that it fast became a fixture among creek dwellers. If it’s cookies you seek, the selection is here is second-to-none – after all, Custard comes courtesy of the original crew behind much-lauded Bam Bam Bakehouse and Cubby Bakehouse. With biscuit credentials like those, they certainly know how the cookie crumbles.
The one to munch: We’re hard pressed to go past the Salted Caramel White Choc— gooey, decadent and ohh so good.
Where: Tallebudgera Creek, 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Tarte
When Gold Coasters have got sugar on the mind, the mental gymnastics of squeezing a Tarte side quest to into the schedule almost always follows. And luckily, for sweet treat fiends (well, maybe not our waistlines) that feat is easier than ever. These days, devotees of Tarte’s delicious wares can choose to get their fix at either Burleigh or Currumbin, thanks to a second, Parisian-inspired site that now fronts the suburb’s iconic creek. Helmed by pastry prodigy Chloe Watts, we have plenty to thank the game-changing bakehouse brand for – starting with the heaven-sent array of cookies emerging fresh from the oven daily. We defy anyone who can leave empty-handed.
The one to munch: Choc Brownie Cookie is truly elite-tier – soft and gooey on the inside, chewy cookie on the outside.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Dough House Cookies
If you consider yourself a cookie connoisseur, prepare to blow your dough once you get a taste of the moorish treats that Bundall-based outfit, Dough House Cookies is delivering to the masses ( – literally, they ship Australia-wide #deadly). Their deluxe goodies are a common sight gracing the displays of coveted caffeine hot-spots across the coast – counting Blackboard Varisty, Elk Espresso, and Pasture & Co among its stockists. Which means you never have to venture far to get your fix when the hankering hits. Or, order online and have them sent direct to you (or gift to a loved one, if you’re feeling generous).
The one to munch: Red Velvet Oreo Nutella is a revelation and we will not hear otherwise.
Where: head to their site to find stockists or order online

Words by Kellie Leader.

If you haven’t sampled the goodies from these cake artists, butter late than never we say because they will never dessert you. There’s only one quality rivalling the taste of these sensational sweeties and that’s their presentation, which speaks directly to your insta grid (say cheese…cake)!

Here are 8 totally tier-rific GC based creators, perfect for a decadent treat to satisfy your craving, or a custom designed showstopper guaranteed to be the icing on the cake at your next event.

My Favourite Baker
Known as a lifeline for positively drool-worthy last-minute cake and cupcakes, we need My Favourite Baker in our lives because we always leave the cake to the final hour #mumfail #wifefail #partyfail #justfail. With glowing coverage in the who’s who of print media and raving Google reviews, you’re in excellent hands here. A special shout-out to the celiacs amongst us, they do epic gluten-free varieties. Happy dance!
Our pick: My Favourite Unicorn. It tastes as amazing as it looks. Translation: kid & big kid pleaser.
Where: 4/1 Inventory Court, Arundel 

My French Pastries
You know a patisserie is darn good when it books out in advance for orders! An award-winning French bakery tucked away in Ampol Foodary, Mr French Pastries cakes are iconic. Pastry Chef Antonio Marchesi keeps it real, crafting all goodies from scratch, and using only the finest French flour, quality butter, and premium ingredients. A stickler for French tradition, it’s history in the baking!
Our pick: Millefeuilles Cake (aka French vanilla slice cake!)
Where: 4226/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Baked GC
This place is literally a cake-o-holics haven. We’re talking birthday cakes, wedding cakes, kids cakes, party cakes, cupcakes, All.The.Cakes! Now strictly an e-commerce bakery, you’re guaranteed an epic handcrafted artisan dessert made locally from scratch. With an average three-day lead time for most cakes, Tamar is the master of flavour and a true artist when it comes to both ‘construction’ and aesthetics. Love at first sight and bite.
Our pick: Signature Mud Salted Caramel Cake
Where: 61 Matthew Flinders Drive, Paradise Point (for pick-up orders)

The Cake That Ate Paris
Calling all brides to be! If it’s a show-stopping wedding cake you’re channelling (obvs), Bree is your person! From her phenomenal baking skills and eye for detail, to her friendly down-to-earth nature and genuine passion for her business, this trained pastry chef has become one of the most sought-after cake designers on the Coast. Book your consult and taste test (the best part!) six to eight weeks out from your big day. Even your cake will be in tiers with emotion!
Our pick: Raspberry Buttercream Wedding Cake
Where: 1099 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

I Heart Cakes by Casey
Casey has become a bit of a cake-making celeb around our ‘hood. Using only the freshest ingredients, she makes all her cakes to order and loves collaborating with customers to ensure the end creation is precisely what they had envisioned. From wedding cakes to kids’ birthday cakes and anything in between, you knead Casey to bake it happen!
Our pick: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Where: 8 Jarrahdale Drive, Elanora

Madisons Café & Patisserie
I mean, this place needs no introduction. A fave with long-time Gold Coasters for good reason, we’ve been meeting our pals at this award-winning cafe for a cuppa and a slab of homemade ten-outta-ten cake for decades. Madisons’ loyal army of customers begged for them to start whipping up custom cakes for functions and parties and like any smart business, they listened! If you haven’t been, go. Now!
Our pick: Caramel Mud Cake with Vanilla Buttercream and Macaron
Where: Ground Floor, Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Charles Avenue, Broadbeach

Sweet Cakes by Katy
What started as a passion for making cakes for family and friends’ events, soon turned into an obsession for making sweet treats for a living! Choose from pre-designed cakes, cupcakes and cookies, or opt for something custom created to score brownie points at your next ‘do! Bridesmaids, Katy does some lol-worthy naughty (but VERY nice) creations (#blush), plus offers nationwide shipping for cookies!
Our pick: Drunk girl cake
Where: 334 Foxwell Road, Coomera

Two Little Cupcakes
Sweet tooths, take head! Named after her two little boys (awwww), Rachelle Silvas specialises in gorgeous customised birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cake popsicles, personalised cookies, and cupcakes. Plus, she offers more than 26 different flavours and our head hurts at the thought of having to choose just one. So whether you’re celebrating a lap around the sun, getting hitched, or hosting a baby shower, you definitely want a piece of Two Little Cupcakes.
Our pick: Blueberry Pancake Vanilla Cake
Where: Benowa, Gold Coast

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Are you the kind of person who skips right to the desserts page of a menu? Yep, well, you’re not alone. Taking tactical consideration of what sweet things can and will follow is a clever move by anyone’s standard. Luckily we are spoilt for choice with sweet treats and desserts on the Gold Coast.

Why not seek to fix that sweet craving you have? Here’s our list of the best places on the Gold Coast to grab a dessert, worthy of that extra time on the treadmill!

Tarte Bakery & Tarte Beach House
As if all self-control didn’t already tank at the mere sound of the word Tarte, our reigning pastry queen Chloe Watts went all out earlier this year to bestow upon us a knockout second site – Tarte Beach House #havemercy #we’reweak. The chic sister venue bringing Tarte’s trademark goodies to the banks of Currumbin’s picture-perfect creek, and in the process, blowing the bar previously set by our OG dessert darling out of the water.

We’d stop at ‘muffin’ to get our hands on the signature Crueller, or a Raspberry, Strawberry & White Chocolate Muffin Top, or.. okay basically everything they’re churning out. Which begs the question, can one ever have too much Tarte? We think no.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Oh My, Waffle
Make no mistake about it, if you find yourself in and around Burleigh Heads and are hit with a hankering for something sweet, head directly to Oh My, Waffle to have your mind (and calorie intake, lbh) blown –#ohsoworthit.

Prepare those ravenous, post-surf appetites to meet their match at the sight of some seriously loaded waffles and thick shakes. Though word to the wise – you may need to waddle home afterwards.
Where: Shop 6 / 1837 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

My French Pastries
Husband and wife duo, Jen & Antonio Marchesi are the French maestros behind some mighty salivating goodies at this Robina bakery, and what these folks don’t know about sweet and crunchy European desserts frankly isn’t worth knowing!

Don’t delay. Head along for the shiniest looking caramel eclairs and the flakiest known pain au chocolats this side of the equator — Bon appétit!
Where: Shop 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Custard Canteen
Is a breakfast dessert a thing? If it’s not, we’re officially calling it. And if you find yourself down by the ever-majestic Tallebudgera Creek dipping in its crystal clear waters, we suggest you hot foot it right away to Custard Canteen.

Get into some great coffee — and a bacon & egg burger to end all burgers — before rounding things off with one of their ooze-tastic cookies or the flakiest of Portugese Tarts. YUM!
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Bam Bam Bakehouse
Inventive, indulgent, and darn tasty in every department: Bam Bam Bakehouse is the goods — period. The line of sweets and desserts are nothing short of mesmerising (even attracting the likes of Margot Robbie and Matt Preston).

With so many mouthwatering morsels on offer, attempting to choose only a couple of them is a challenging feat (as is not allowing ourselves to immediately to scarf down the lot).
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

D Point Ten
Bringing an exclusively sweets-based offering to the GC’s sea of swole and shredded rigs surely required a seismic leap of faith, but any sceptics are now eating humble pie thanks to D Point Ten’s growing donut empire.

These days, their dough-licious conquest of the Coast spans across three official outlets – Pacific Fair, Varsity Lakes and Hope Island – with northern residents now also able to get their hands on the seductive looking donuts at sando sister venue, Janus Deli.

The delectable flavour rotation includes the likes of Golden Gaytime, Ferrero, and S’mores, all of which keep us wanting more. Whip out a box of these bad boys at your next gathering, and watch how fast you become everyone’s bestest bud.
Where:  Hope Island, Varsity Lakes, Molendinar and Pacific Fair – Broadbeach Waters

Paddock Bakery
One of the Gold Coast’s game-changing cafes, the level of baked and sweet goods that these guys consistently punch out is utterly jaw-dropping.

If you haven’t treated yourself to several (hundred) coffee dates at one of the cutest mini-Queenslander’s gracing the GC… welcome, you must be new here?! To remedy this immediately, we suggest you get together some of your nearest and dearest and get in on some brunch action before you launch a full-scale attack on the cracker assortment of sweets.

Be sure to try the crowd-fave Biscoff Cheesecake Doughnut or their whopping 1kg Giant Cookie! (Remember, Mum says sharing is caring.)
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

Franquette
If you live in or around Tamborine, and haven’t yet wrapped your mitts (and tastebuds) around some Franquette… frankly, it’s time to re-evaluate your priorities (unless you’re gluten-free, obvi, in which case, commiserations).

Under the expert eye of master baker Jérôme Favier, Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket) assuages hinterland hankerings with authentic French-style sweets, rolls and scrolls, and of course, the ever-crescent croissant.

They’ve teamed up with the Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co. gang to bring us ‘The Gelaffin’… a freshly baked cruffin loaded with small-batch gelato – aka the most glorious ice cream sandwich you’ve ever laid eyes upon. Officially our new favourite franken-food obsession for summer. Brain freeze (and bulk satisfaction) incoming.
Where: 1/159 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain 

Basque
We’ve been giddy over Basque since the gorg new specialty bakehouse-cum-sippery sauntered into Chirn Park earlier this year, bearing mind-blowingly good cheesecake and French champagne. Umm, did we just become best friends?! Two of our very favourite modes of celebration under one chic roof – consider us, and our ‘coffee and cake catch up’ standards, spoiled forevermore.

Owners Laura and Zach Guertin devised the dreamy concept in answer to the age-old conundrum, ‘what should I bring?’ – and yeah, we can attest, one taste of Laura’s incredible creations and you’ll forget alll about the box of Favourites.

Luckily for the lot of us, we need not wait for a special occasion to partake in their signature Spanish Cheesecake and Champagne selection, with both available by the slice, and glass – any old time you please to cheese.
Where: 33b Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park

My Favourite Baker
The very aptly named My Favourite Baker is one beloved among locals as a lifeline for incredible, last-minute cakes (that look and taste anything but).

The GC’s everyday cake heroes ‘crumb’ through with the (baked) goods – delivering same day turnaround on their delectable range of cakes and cupcakes almost every day of the year. Saving our bacon bakin’ from all kinds of sticky, special occasion situations, ‘logistical oversights’ and baking fails – with rave reviews, might we add. Phew! *backs slowly away from the packet mix*

Forgotten occasion? What forgotten occasion?

Only bulk brownie points to be found here (shhh.. it’ll be our little secret).
Where: 4/1 Inventory Ct, Arundel

Aux Fines Bouches
For devout pastry buffs (there’s an oxymoron in there somewhere – and hats off to anyone who manages to be buff, and a pastry enthusiast simultaneously) we do éclair, Aux Fines Bouches is the place to be.

This place is really not flaking around – run by decorated French pastry chef, Richard Le Deunff – locals in the know can’t get enough of the authentic, buttery baked-goods they’ve been doling out since 2019.

An unassuming space tucked away in Burleigh’s industrial outskirts, with a window where you can marvel at the culinary wizards whipping up the delectable works of art. Meticulously crafting tarts, cakes and custard-laden pastries Wednesday through Sunday, with a level of obsession matched only by that of our enthusiasm for consuming them.
Where: 2/43 Taree Street, Burleigh Heads

Cheeky Waffles
This naughty noshery has been getting sweet lovers hot under the collar since they burst onto Surfer’s nightlife strip, boasting a decadent and debaucherous range of genitalia-shaped desserts.. that also leave the sweet cravings totally satisfied.

The novelty (and priceless bants) of a choc-dipped coochie or pecker-shaped waffle might be too good to pass up, but don’t be tempted to write them off as a ‘one-time thing’. This place is the whole package, with the famously soft and fluffy waffles (described as ‘the best I’ve had’) the kind that keep lip-licking locals coming back for more.

Swing by and get yourself a ‘sugar daddy’ for happy endings all round.(in case you were wondering, no, we’ll never tire of writing about this place).
Where: 3189 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Madisons Cafe & Patisserie
A name that certainly needs no introduction among cake fans, alas no GC sweets list worth it’s salt sugar would dareth omit local mainstay, Madisons. The Broadbeach institution has long been hooking us up with our daily coffee and cake needs, with the sight of their specialty cakes becoming somewhat of a staple at our celebrations over the years.

The online ordering process is as dreamy as the buttercream (no phone call necessary, millennials rejoice) simply build your own from the options on offer – oh alright, make it a caramel mud + vanilla buttercream, since you asked (and smattering of gold dust, if you don’t mind.)
Where: Ground Floor, Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Charles Avenue, Broadbeach

Dipcro
All hail the buttery king-of-pastries, the mighty croissant (controversial? We think not). Chevron’s debutant sweet-snackery, Dipcro delivers our sweet fix in the form of artisan baked goods like Cinnamon Buns, Croissants, Mille Feuille and Palmiers.

The venue’s namesake and signature item (a play on the words ‘Dip’ and ‘Croissant’– à la, ‘Dipcro’), invites us to take the blessed croissant to a whole new level – served with an array of signature toppings & fillings for your dunking pleasure. Oh if we must.
Where: 55 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island,

Captain’s Candy
The childhood rite of passage that was letting loose on the local pick and mix may merely live on as a fond, yet distant (albeit a little more distant than we care to admit) mem these days, but luckily us locals can venture to Captains Candy to fulfil even our most obscure candy cravings. The willy wonka-vibing wonderland inconspicuously tucked away in Ashmore’s outlet precinct, fully loaded with floor-to-wall goodies (including a hefty selection of international faves for our expat friends).

You need not *only* leave with a sugar rush, you can also stock the pantry with slightly more responsible provisions such as hot sauces, pickles, seasonings and rubs while you’re at it.

Whatever lolly your heart desires, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find it here (even some formerly erased icons.. shout out green frogs and spearmint leaves).

Responsible adults to chaperone our candy expeditions, apply within.
Where: 12 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore

Words by Kellie Leader.