The tricky winger was on a four-month loan at the Perth club, and had his loan deal extended by three weeks at the beginning of January.
Aberdeen were not prepared to extend the deal longer than that while youngster Ryan Fraser was deliberating over a move to the English lower-leagues.
Now Fraser has departed, Dons boss Craig Brown has brought Pawlett back into the fold as a direct replacement for the foolish teen.
Brown said: “It was a blow to lose Fraser because he was the type to get fans on their feet but Peter is that kind of player too and if he can stay fit he can play a key role.”
Although he suffered a minor injury while in Perth, Pawlett has played six games in the last six weeks for St Johnstone, earning rave reviews in more than one of those matches.
And the Anglo-Scot is prepared to "work his socks off" to regain a permanent place in the Dons' first team.