Start by placing your cottage cheese, natural sweetener, and vanilla extract into a blender or food processor. Blend on high for about 30-45 seconds, until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats with any additional dry ingredients you prefer, such as cocoa powder.

Pour the creamy blended mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently mix everything together until a thick, cohesive dough forms.

If using chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the dough.

Scoop out portions of the dough—about 1 inch in size—and roll them into balls. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined tray.

Refrigerate the tray of brownie bites for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

For an optional chocolate coating, melt dark chocolate and dip each brownie bite halfway, then chill again until the chocolate has set.