Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Make sure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go – this will make the process much smoother.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Roll out each tube of dough to a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. Pinch seams to seal if using perforated dough. This creates a perfect base for our filling and ensures that the final cruffins have the ideal texture.

Step 3: Create the Filling
Combine softened butter, 1 tablespoon chives, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic in a bowl. Spread one-third of this mixture over one dough sheet. The filling is what gives these cruffins their incredible flavor, so make sure to distribute it evenly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the butter mixture. Adding the cheese directly to the butter helps it stick to the dough and creates those beautiful cheesy layers in every bite.

Step 5: Roll and Cut
Starting at a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log in half lengthwise, then cut each half lengthwise again to create 4 long strands. This cutting technique creates the distinctive layered appearance that makes cruffins so special.

Step 6: Repeat for Remaining Dough
Repeat steps 3-5 for the remaining two dough sheets to get 12 sections total. Working systematically ensures all your cruffins will be consistent in size and bake evenly.

Step 7: Shape and Place in Muffin Tin
Take each section, aligning the layered side out, and roll it into a cinnamon roll shape, tucking in the ends. Place each cruffin into a muffin tin cup. Proper shaping helps the cruffins maintain their form and ensures even baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. The key is to watch them closely in the last few minutes to achieve that perfect golden color without over-baking.

Step 9: Prepare the Final Garlic Butter Topping
While baking, prepare the garlic butter topping: mix melted butter, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon finely chopped chives, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. This topping adds an extra burst of flavor and gives the cruffins their irresistible finish.

Step 10: Add the Finishing Touch
Brush the warm garlic butter topping generously over the baked cruffins immediately after removing them from the oven. This final step is crucial as it seals in moisture and adds that final layer of garlicky goodness!