You can. I've tried it both ways and I personally prefer the texture that comes from melting the marshmallows on the stove with the butter on low heat. But marshmallow cream, which you buy in a jar, works fine. You can substitute the mini-marshmallows in this recipe with about 10 ounces of marshmallow creme, which is about a jar and a half if you buy 7 ounce jars.