I made two substitutions, though, to be fair. Instead of butterscotch, I used 2 cups of caramel bits, which seemed way too much. The apple I used was Fuji; maybe I should have used Granny Smith which would have made it less sweet.
I also used fat free Eagle brand instead of regular.

BUT, there are extenuating circumstances that I think affected my tastebuds:

Prior to making them, I had eaten um a few Goetzes caramels, like um maybe more than 3 but less than 10. (I love those things!!) So my appetite was satiated.

I had a sick headache in my left eye socket all day yesterday, while they were cooking, when they came out of the oven, and still today until noon. It made me slightly nauseous.

When they came out of the oven it was almost 10 pm, my bedtime, so I didn’t taste them hot/warm. I really wish I could have found out what they taste like warm, because I think I would have liked it better.

NOW having said all that, I took them to work and got 3 requests for the recipe!

I will make them again for a work event on Saturday, trying different apples, more nuts, and fewer caramel bits. I’d also like to try them w/a different cookie mix but I got mine w/a BOGO, so I have to use up what I have first.