The period of time from partial nuetral to re-engagement is designed to be almost instantaneous.
It uses the brake pedal position sensor for re-engagement to occur.
Your description is that of a position sensor providing errant information or the transmission not responding to the information in a timely manner.
I have felt this delay in other Cruze's and it is quite a jolt......kind of approaching a 'Neutral Drop'.......like in a older car.....race the engine, drop it in 'D', and hang on.....(if the trans didn't blow or something broke it makes a good smokeshow).....brutal abuse on a driveline though.
To clarify your driving style, though......Folks that drive 'two footed'.....right foot on gas, left foot on brake, will inadvertantly cause this 'thump' to occur by applying the throttle early and releasing the brake pedal late (talking milliseconds here).....so if you are a 'two footer' try driving the car as a one footer.....right foot only, off the brake and onto the throttle.
If you are a one footer though, your description to the Tech.......not the writer....you need to speak to whomever will be looking at the car, will be as I described......quote me: It feels like I did a neutral drop and the car shudders after a full stop long enough for the car to go into the 'Partial Neutral' mode.
When described in this manner a good mechanic will 'Get' what you are saying.......having the writer put it on a repair order does not properly convey what you are experiencing.........
If at all possible, take the tech for a ride and duplicate the concern.
Ultimately it will be as simple as the brake switch or get as involved as a major trans repair or exchange.
Keep in touch.
Rob